Coin Tosses and Balloon Pops: Learning About Probability!

Math Grades 1st Grade 9:14 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's explore probability with coins and balloons! We'll learn about words like 'likely,' 'unlikely,' 'certain,' and 'impossible' to describe how chance works. Get ready for a fun quiz!

Video Resource

Probability for Kids | Homeschool Pop

Homeschool Pop

Duration: 9:14
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Probability: The chance of something happening.
  • Likely: A big chance that something will happen.
  • Unlikely: A small chance that something will happen.
  • Certain: It will definitely happen; 100% chance.
  • Impossible: It cannot happen; 0% chance.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define probability in simple terms.
  • Students will be able to identify events as likely, unlikely, certain, or impossible.
  • Students will be able to apply probability vocabulary to real-world scenarios.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever guessed what might happen. Introduce the word 'probability' as the chance of something happening. Tell them you'll be watching a video to learn more!
  • Video Time (8 mins)
    Play the 'Probability for Kids' video from Homeschool Pop. Encourage students to pay attention to the different words used to describe probability (likely, unlikely, certain, impossible).
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, review the key vocabulary words. Ask students for examples of when they might use these words in their own lives.
  • Activity: Coin Toss (10 mins)
    Give each student a coin. Have them toss the coin 10 times and record whether it lands on heads or tails each time. Discuss the probability of getting heads or tails. Is it likely, unlikely, certain, or impossible to get heads on any single toss? (Likely/Unlikely). Is it certain you will get either heads or tails? (Certain).
  • Quiz Time (7 mins)
    Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Classroom Objects
    Place various classroom objects (pencils, crayons, erasers) in a bag. Ask students to describe the probability of picking a specific object. For example, if there are 5 pencils and 1 eraser, it's likely they'll pick a pencil and unlikely they'll pick an eraser.

Discussion Questions

  • What does 'probability' mean?
  • Can you give an example of something that is certain to happen?
  • Can you give an example of something that is impossible to happen?
  • What is something that is likely to happen today?
  • What is something that is unlikely to happen today?

Skills Developed

  • Understanding probability concepts
  • Applying vocabulary to real-world situations
  • Critical thinking and prediction

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'likely' mean?

Correct Answer: It will probably happen.

Question 2:

If you have only red crayons, what's the chance you pick a blue crayon?

Correct Answer: Impossible

Question 3:

What does 'impossible' mean?

Correct Answer: It has no chance.

Question 4:

If you have 3 apples and 1 banana, are you likely to pick an apple or a banana?

Correct Answer: Apple

Question 5:

Which word means it will 100% happen?

Correct Answer: Certain

Question 6:

If you have a bag with only toy cars, is it likely, unlikely, certain, or impossible to pick out a toy car?

Correct Answer: Certain

Question 7:

If it is daytime, is it likely, unlikely, certain, or impossible to see the Sun?

Correct Answer: Likely

Question 8:

You have one toy car and ten crayons in a bag. Are you more likely to pick out a crayon or a toy car?

Correct Answer: Crayon

Question 9:

Which of the following is most likely to happen tomorrow?

Correct Answer: The sun will rise.

Question 10:

What is another word for chance?

Correct Answer: probability

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The chance of something happening is called _________.

Correct Answer: probability

Question 2:

If something will probably happen, we say it is _________.

Correct Answer: likely

Question 3:

If something has no chance of happening, it is _________.

Correct Answer: impossible

Question 4:

If you have a red ball, you are _________ to pick a red ball.

Correct Answer: certain

Question 5:

If something has a small chance of happening, we say it is _________.

Correct Answer: unlikely

Question 6:

It is _________ that the sun will rise in the west.

Correct Answer: impossible

Question 7:

If you have 4 cookies and one apple it is _________ you will pick a cookie.

Correct Answer: likely

Question 8:

If there are only girls in a class, it is __________ that a girl will be picked to read.

Correct Answer: certain

Question 9:

It is __________ that there will be snow in July.

Correct Answer: unlikely

Question 10:

Another word for how likely something is, is __________.

Correct Answer: chance

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4:Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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