Grade 6 - Statistics and Probability (Chance and Uncertainty)

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

• distinguish between the experimental and theoretical probability of single events
• using various polyhedrons as dice, identify the relationship between the number of faces and the probability of a single event
• calculate theoretical probability using numbers between 0 and 1
• demonstrate that different outcomes may occur when the same experiment is repeated
• compare experimental results with theoretical results

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Statistics and Probabilities (Chance and Uncertainty) in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

• Have students make, bring, or use materials that could be used for probability experiments in class (e.g., dice, spinners, coins). Initially, students should have a device that will produce a multiple of 50 so that they can easily compare results expressed in fractions. Have students run 50 events with their material and record the results in chart form. Have them repeat this with another 50 trials and record the results in a double- stem-leaf frequency graph. Discuss their results and rationale. After discussing theoretical and experimental probability with students, look again at their results. Have them compare their theoretical and experimental results and explain the differences.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Observe

• As students are running the events, make notes about what they say will happen the most, the least, and how often. Look for fair experimentation.
• Have groups share their results. Ensure that students have recorded their results correctly in table form.

• Ask questions about how often certain events occurred. Have students give experimental probability of the events.

• Look for accurate theoretical probability in students'Ýwork.
• When reading students' rationales about the probability figures, look to see if their comments have changed to ones that are mathematically based on statistics.
• Ask students to look outside school to find applications of what they have learned about probability (e.g., lotteries, card or dice games, weather forecasts, earthquake risks, fish survival). Have them describe the situations in words, numbers, and (where appropriate) charts or graphs.

• Box Cars & One-Eyed Jacks
• Interactions 4-6
• Intermediate Probability Jobcards
• Quest 2000: Exploring Mathematics Grade 6

• Mathematics: What Are You Teaching My Child?

• D.I.M.E. Probability Pack A
• D.I.M.E. Probability Pack B

Previous Organizer Next Organizer