Free Spinners & Giveaway

If you have been following along the last several weeks, you have downloaded several freebies related to teaching probability.  If you missed some of those posts, click here.

Although probability isn't called out until sixth grade in the Common Core standards, there are other mathematical lessons that can be taught with these materials and it exposes students to the language for later.

In addition to the freebies on this blog, I have dedicated several problems to probability on my website Math Spies.  Today's freebie is the spinners that go with several of the problems.  Students determine whether or not the games are fair and defend their answer mathematically.

Here is a black and white printable version of the spinners available on my Google Drive. These may be used to help students think about the Math Spies' problems or they can be used for other experiments with probability.

I hope you have enjoyed this series with your class.
The giveaway is closed 10/6/14.

Update November 2015

 Math Spies and the Case of the Corrupt Carnival: Lessons in Probability

In this packet are seven “carnival games” students will evaluate based on likely and unlikely outcomes. I have included a tri-fold page with the words “likely, unlikely, and impossible” so all students can respond at the same time in class discussion.

Guess the Order Freebie

A few years ago, I taught probability to sixth graders and there was a game like this one in the curriculum.  The objective of the lesson was the theoretical probability of a sequence of events.  This is well above what my fourth graders need to know.

I liked the game and adapted it to be more appropriate for this level.  To download a copy of Guess the Order from my Google Drive, click here.

Students cut out the four cards at the bottom, shuffle, and place in a single pile face down.  They record the order that they think the cards will be turned over.  Then they write down the number they guessed correctly.  The trick is in figuring out what is a likely outcome for this game and what outcome is impossible.

I hope your students enjoy experimenting with probability in this way.

Update November 2015

 Math Spies and the Case of the Corrupt Carnival: Lessons in Probability

In this packet are seven “carnival games” students will evaluate based on likely and unlikely outcomes. I have included a tri-fold page with the words “likely, unlikely, and impossible” so all students can respond at the same time in class discussion.
 

Is It Fair?

The last few Fridays, I have been sharing freebies I use to teach probability.  This week I want my students to apply what they have learned to evaluate a game.  They will decide if the game is fair and support their claim with evidence.

Click here to download my freebie Is It Fair? from my Google Drive.

On my math problem-solving blog, Math Spies, I have been sharing several probability problems like this one.

I invite you to stop by.

Update November 2015

 Math Spies and the Case of the Corrupt Carnival: Lessons in Probability

In this packet are seven “carnival games” students will evaluate based on likely and unlikely outcomes. I have included a tri-fold page with the words “likely, unlikely, and impossible” so all students can respond at the same time in class discussion.

Is It Likely? Multiply

Last week I shared Is It Likely? Addition. Today's freebie is a similar activity except students fill in a multiplication chart.  I want students to consider what is likely, unlikely, and impossible to happen when rolling two dice and finding the product.

To download Is It Likely? Multiply from my Google Drive, click here. I plan to have students roll two dice and record their results to see the difference between theoretical probability and experimental probability. 

This is the third of six posts where I plan to share freebies to teach probability.  I hope to see you next week.

Update November 2015

 Math Spies and the Case of the Corrupt Carnival: Lessons in Probability

In this packet are seven “carnival games” students will evaluate based on likely and unlikely outcomes. I have included a tri-fold page with the words “likely, unlikely, and impossible” so all students can respond at the same time in class discussion.

Is It Likely? Addition

Last week I shared a freebie called Likely, Unlikely, and Impossible.  If you missed it, click here.

This week I want to start applying those words to mathematical situations.  Here's today's freebie:

To download Is It Likely? Addition from my Google Drive, click here. Students fill in the addition chart and then list numbers that are likely to occur when rolling two dice and finding the sum.  They also list numbers that are unlikely and some that are impossible.  You can extend this activity by having them roll two dice and keep track of their answers.

I have a problem solving website called Math Spies.  To find a related problem on that site, click here.

Hope to see you next Friday for another probability freebie.

Update November 2015

 Math Spies and the Case of the Corrupt Carnival: Lessons in Probability

In this packet are seven “carnival games” students will evaluate based on likely and unlikely outcomes. I have included a tri-fold page with the words “likely, unlikely, and impossible” so all students can respond at the same time in class discussion.







Likely, Unlikely, and Impossible

I have been developing some materials to teach probability this fall and over the next few weeks, I plan to share some freebies with you.  Today's freebie is a tri-fold paper for a whole group active response. Click here for the free download Likely, Unlikely and Impossible from my Google Drive.  Students fold along the horizontal lines and attach the top margin to the bottom margin.

The first lesson is to introduce the words and have students hold the correct term toward you. Use some non-mathematical situations which require a prediction.  Here are some examples:

1. At the end of the day, the school busses will arrive to take some students home.
2. At the end of the day, a limousine will arrive with a movie star.
3. At the end of the day, a unicorn will arrive carrying a rainbow.
4. It will be sunny all day.
5. It will rain sometime today.
6. The clouds will turn purple with orange and green stripes and shower cotton candy.

You get the idea.

I would love to read comments about how else you introduced these words.  Don't forget to come back next Friday for more freebies in this series.

Update: November 2015

 Math Spies and the Case of the Corrupt Carnival: Lessons in Probability

In this packet are seven “carnival games” students will evaluate based on likely and unlikely outcomes. I have included a tri-fold page with the words “likely, unlikely, and impossible” so all students can respond at the same time in class discussion.