Predicting Outcomes
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
In this fun unit, your child will explore the world of probability and predicting outcomes. He or she will learn to use data, such as tally charts, to record results and will become familiar with the terms more likely, less likely, impossible and more as he/she uses them in games. Hands-on board games, interactive online games, fun worksheets, and a video will reinforce these concepts. This unit is designed to last one week, depending on how often you teach math.
List of Objectives:
- Your child will learn about predicting outcomes.
- Your child will learn what the term probability means.
- Your child will use data to express outcomes in the form of tally sheets.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
Probability with Number Cubes:
- One die
- Pencil
- Paper to make the tally chart and tally chart showing predictions and actual results
- Marker
- Printer
- Paper
- Sheet of paper for keeping tally marks
- Marker
- One penny
- Two markers such as beans or buttons
- One die
- Sentence strip or large sheet of paper
- Marker
- Bag of M & M's
- Printer
- Paper
- Pencil
- Two dice
- Paper
- Marker
- Two different colors of crayons
- Paper
- Crayons
- Marker
- Printer
- Paper
- Pencil
- Deck of cards
- Basic printer supplies
- A pencil
Investigating the Flip a Coin:
- Basic printer supplies
- A pencil
- A coin
Links to Free Learning Material
Links to Online Lessons:
| What is Probability | (no rating) |
This lesson describes what probability means and introduces words used in describing probable outcomes.
| The Probability Scale | (no rating) |
This lesson describes what a probability scale is and other words associated with it.
| Doing the Sums: Tossing a Coin | (no rating) |
This lesson uses coins to describe chances.
| Doing the Sums: Rolling a Die | (no rating) |
This lesson uses a die to discuss the probability of getting certain numbers.
Reference Websites:
| Outcomes | (no rating) |
This reference gives the definition of outcomes in relation to probability.
Hands-On Projects and Activities:
| Probability with Number Cubes | (no rating) |
This activity will have you roll a number cube and graph your results on tally charts.
| Heads and Tails | (no rating) |
In this fun game, you will move along a snake according to the toss of a penny.
| M & M Probability | (no rating) |
This is a fun game of probability using M & M's.
| Rock, Paper, Scissors | (no rating) |
Have fun playing this familiar hand game.
| Always, Sometimes, and Never | (no rating) |
Some things always seem to happen while other things never seem to happen.
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
| Deck of Cards | (no rating) |
This worksheet uses cards to help you understand probability.
| Deck of Cards Answer Sheet | (no rating) |
This is the answer sheet for Deck of Cards activity.
| Probability Scale Worksheet | (no rating) |
This worksheet helps you understand how to use a scale when deciding about chances.
| Probability Scale Answer Sheet | (no rating) |
These are the answers to the Probability Scale Worksheet.
| Investigating Flipping a Coin | (no rating) |
This worksheet helps you understand chances when flipping a coin.
| Investigating Flipping a Coin Answer Sheet | (no rating) |
These are possible answers for Investigating Flipping a Coin.
| Probability Game | (no rating) |
This is a fun interactive game about probability.
| More, Less, or Equally Likely | (no rating) |
Have fun in this online probability game.
| Certain, Probable, Unlikely, Impossible | (no rating) |
See if you can guess what the answer will be in this online probability game.
| Where's the Star | (no rating) |
This is an online probability game.
| Spinners | (no rating) |
In this game, you will click to spin and then graph your results online.
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Free Online Video:
Watch this Cyberchase video about flipping a coin to find probability.Bianca Flips Out (no rating)
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Free Online Audio: 
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):