Generate theoretical sample spaces for single and combined events…
Generate theoretical sample spaces for single and combined events with equally likely, mutually exclusive outcomes and use these to calculate theoretical probabilities.
The National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3 outcome (Probability) for Key Stage 3 says: “Generate theoretical sample spaces for single and combined events with equally likely, mutually exclusive outcomes and use these to calculate theoretical probabilities.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3.
Is It Fair? Chance and Probability Grades 6–7
Is a six harder to roll? Which bag gives the best chance of a red? Why does horse 7 always win? Can you design a fair game? Four lessons with dice, coins, counters and spinners where students test their hunches and find out what chance really does.
- Why does horse 7 always win? 50–60 min
Teams play a horse race where horses numbered 2 to 12 move when the sum of two dice matches their number. Horse 7 wins again and again, and horse 2 and horse 12 hardly move. Students build the 36-outcome sample space in a table, find probabilities of compound events, and explain why sums in the middle are more likely.
- Can you design a fair game? 50–60 min
Teams test three two-player games with coins, dice and spinners, and find that a game that sounds fair, odd or even products of two dice, gives one player three times the chance of the other. Using tree diagrams and tables, students find the probability of each player winning, then design, test and defend a fair game of their own.
More England Key Stage 3 math outcomes we teach
Every England Key Stage 3 math curriculum outcome we teach
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