Math Lessons (Probability)

Rationale:

Context: I created these three lessons on probability during Block II of my senior year at Appalachian State University, under the advisement of Dr. Art Quickenton, my Math 4030 instructor. I created and taught these lessons on probability to Mrs. Bower's 2nd grade class at Blue Ridge Elementary in Ashe County, North Carolina.

Impact: These three lessons on probability helped students to better understand the concept of probability. Students were introduced to words such as least likely, most likely, certain, and impossible and how to use those words when predicting an event. Students were explained what probability means in everyday life and were given several different examples of using probability in real life applications.

Alignment: The following standards and indicators helped to meet the requirements for North Carolina Elementary School teachers.

Standard 2, Indicator 1: I met this indicator by explaining, illustrating, and demonstrating what probability is to Mrs. Bower's 2nd grade class. I gave students several examples of how to use probability in real life applications. I illustrated this area with the use of a smartboard.

Standard 2, Indicator 3: I met this indicator by using a spinner to demonstrate predictions in the area of probability. Students learned several terms used in probability such as: least likely, most likely, certain, impossible, prediction, etc.

Standard 7, Indicator 3: I met this indicator by asking students what they thought probabiliity was and finding out what they already knew before teaching the lesson.

Standard 7, Indicator 5: I met this indicator by having several different teaching skills available for different types of learners. I assisted students by circulating the room and helping those in need of extra help. I encouraged students to use their thinking skills while investigating the area of probability.

Standard 7, Indicator 6: I met this indicator by gearing up and gearing down the lessons when needed.

Standard 7, Indicator 7: I met this indicator by assessing students before beginning the lessons, during and after teaching the lessons on probability.

Standard 9, Indicator 1: I met this indicator by having students make connections with their own lives in the area of probability.

Standard 9, Indicator 3: I met this indicator by having students communicate their ideas about probability to the class and on the smartboard. Students were encouraged to make their own predictions.

Stnadard 9, Indicator 4: I met this indicator by asking students to come up with examples of real life applications in probability. Students were encouraged to build upon this during each lesson given.

Standard 15, Indicator 1: I met this indicator by making sure that all students were making connections with real life applications in the area of probability. I used coin-flipping as an example of a real-life application for students to relate to. This activity grasped the attention of underrepresented students and helped to relate probability to everday life.