Lesson Plan: Probability and Information Handling

Subject: Mathematics

Level: Second Level

Topic: Probability and Information Handling

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

Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes:

• I can use my knowledge of probability to make predictions and decisions in everyday situations (MTH 2-16a)
• I can conduct experiments to compare the likelihood of outcomes for simple events, explaining the results using appropriate language (MTH 2-17a)
• I can interpret and construct simple line graphs (MTH 2-20a)

Resources:

• Dice
• Coins
• Counters
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheets
• Graph paper

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin the lesson by asking the students if they have ever played a game of chance, such as rolling a dice or flipping a coin.
• Ask them if they know what probability means and if they can give an example of a situation where probability is used.
• Explain that probability is the likelihood of an event happening, and that it can be expressed as a fraction, decimal or percentage.
• Introduce the desired outcome of the lesson and explain that the students will be conducting simple experiments involving chance and communicating their predictions and findings using the vocabulary of probability.

Main Activity (40 minutes):

• Divide the class into groups of 3-4 students.
• Give each group a set of dice, coins and counters.
• Ask the students to conduct a simple experiment, such as rolling a dice and recording the number that comes up, or flipping a coin and recording whether it lands on heads or tails.
• Ask the students to repeat the experiment 10 times and record their results on a worksheet.
• Ask the students to calculate the probability of each outcome and record it on their worksheet.
• Ask the students to create a line graph to show their results.
• Ask the students to discuss their findings with their group and use the vocabulary of probability to explain their results.

Plenary (10 minutes):

• Ask each group to present their findings to the class.
• Ask the students to compare their results with those of other groups and discuss any similarities or differences.
• Summarize the key points of the lesson and ask the students if they feel they have achieved the desired outcome.

Assessment:

• The students will be assessed on their ability to conduct simple experiments involving chance, communicate their predictions and findings using the vocabulary of probability, and interpret and construct simple line graphs.