Real Life Probability…

Core Connections

Real Life Probability…

Carey, Chris. dice62.jpg. 1-Apr. Pics4Learning

By:  Melissa A. Lutz, Hopkins County Schools

Think back to when you were in school and had to learn about all of that content that you knew you would never use in real life. How much you weigh on the moon, the value of "pi" along with a host of other topics. Many of those subjects you still do not use to this VERY DAY - right?

The students of today (as we were "back when") are more concerned with the latest fad, checking their email or My Space accounts and playing on the Wii than to worry about what will make their lives easier in the future. Granted, learning how to balance a checking account will CERTAINLY make their lives easier, more enriched and make them a happier person (working in the black always makes for a better day...). However, if as teachers, we do not find a way to relate this content knowledge to their ever so busy lives, then they will tune us out like a bad song on their IPod.  

Ask a class of elementary students how probability relates to real life? Any ideas of the answers you might receive or the blank stares on the adorable faces of the next generation? Think about your own life for a second and consider in what ways you use probability as an adult? How many scenarios come to your mind in considering probability in your day to day lives? You might be surprised at actually how often you use the concepts of probability in your day to day lives and students will be too.

You use probability anytime you...

  • Play a game
  • Predict the winner of a sporting event
  • Play the lottery
  • Calculate the cost of insurance
  • View or listen to the weather forecast
  • Read the Enquirer or any other sensational news article
Students use probability when they...
  • Roll a dice
  • Flip a coin
  • Spin a spinner
  • Make a holiday list
  • Anticipate grades
  • Play a game
  • And many more!
Once students realize that learning about probability can makes games more fair and the prospect of achieving good grades attainable they are more than willing to listen to you teach! After you have established the relevance of your lesson in relating it to the students' everyday lives, your task is easy!

Probability instruction lends itself to hands-on activities, cooperative group work, experiments and interactive technology lessons. Sound like something you could teach and your students would enjoy?


Core Content

  • MA-04-4.4.1
  • MA-04-4.4.2

Related Links

Related Lesson Plans, Activities, and Classroom Resources