Lesson Plan: Probability

Subject: Mathematics Topic: Information Handling - Probability Level: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Desired Outcome: I can conduct simple experiments involving chance and communicate my predictions and findings using the vocabulary of probability.

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Resources: - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Dice - Coin - Deck of cards - Probability vocabulary cards (prepared in advance) - Probability worksheet (prepared in advance)

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever played games that involve chance, such as rolling dice or flipping a coin. 2. Discuss with the students what they understand by the term “probability” and ask for examples of everyday situations where probability is involved. 3. Explain that probability is the likelihood of an event happening, and it can be expressed as a fraction, decimal, or percentage. 4. Introduce the desired outcome for the lesson: “Today, we will learn about probability by conducting simple experiments and using probability vocabulary to communicate our predictions and findings.”

Main Activities (40 minutes): Activity 1: Vocabulary Introduction (10 minutes) 1. Distribute probability vocabulary cards to each student or group of students. 2. Ask students to read the word on their card and explain its meaning to the class. 3. Discuss each term as a class, ensuring that students understand the vocabulary related to probability. 4. Display the vocabulary words on the board for reference during the lesson.

Activity 2: Experiment with a Coin (15 minutes) 1. Explain that you will conduct an experiment using a coin to explore probability. 2. Ask students to predict the outcome of flipping a coin and record their predictions on the board. 3. Flip the coin ten times, recording the results (e.g., heads or tails) on the board. 4. Discuss the results as a class, comparing the actual outcomes with the students’ predictions. 5. Introduce the concept of experimental probability by calculating the fraction of times heads or tails appeared.

Activity 3: Experiment with a Dice (15 minutes) 1. Explain that you will conduct an experiment using a dice to explore probability. 2. Ask students to predict the outcome of rolling a dice and record their predictions on the board. 3. Roll the dice ten times, recording the results (e.g., numbers rolled) on the board. 4. Discuss the results as a class, comparing the actual outcomes with the students’ predictions. 5. Introduce the concept of experimental probability by calculating the fraction of times each number appeared.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Distribute the probability worksheet to each student. 2. Instruct students to complete the worksheet independently, applying their understanding of probability and using the vocabulary introduced in the lesson. 3. Review the worksheet as a class, discussing the students’ answers and addressing any misconceptions. 4. Summarize the lesson by emphasizing the importance of conducting experiments and using probability vocabulary to communicate predictions and findings.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and activities. - Review students’ completed worksheets to assess their understanding of probability and their ability to use probability vocabulary.

Extension Activities: - Encourage students to conduct additional experiments involving chance at home and record their findings. - Provide opportunities for students to create their own probability experiments and share them with the class. - Integrate probability into other subjects, such as science or social studies, by exploring the likelihood of certain events or outcomes.