Activity Introduction
Quick summary: During this lesson students calculate experimental two-step probability using observations from their schoolyard. They will consider why certain events are more or less likely to occur and suggest ways to increase the probability of observing particular living things.
This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.
Learning goals:
- Students know how to list outcomes of experiments and to list outcomes favourable to an event.
- Students understand how to use relative frequencies to find an estimate of probabilities of ‘and’, ‘or’ events.
- Students recognise that probability is between 0 and 1.
- Students recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 9 Mathematics
- List all outcomes for two-step chance experiments, both with and without replacement using tree diagrams or arrays. Assign probabilities to outcomes and determine probabilities for events (ACMSP225)
- Calculate relative frequencies from given or collected data to estimate probabilities of events involving ‘and’ or ‘or’ (ACMSP226)
General capabilities: Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Relevant parts of Year 9 Mathematics achievement standards: Students calculate relative frequencies to estimate probabilities, list outcomes for two-step experiments and assign probabilities for those outcomes.
Topic: Outdoor Learning, Biodiversity.
Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and facilitate discussion.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student. Device capable of presenting a website to the class. One copy of Probability practice sheet and Surveying the schoolyard for each student or pair. High School Image.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Keywords: Probability, tree diagram, outcomes, experimental, outdoor learning.
Cool Australia would like to thank the Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
