Unit 5: Probability

The big idea of this unit is Probabilities of Compound Events.  The supporting standards of Understanding Likelihood, Comparing Theoretical & Experimental Probability, and Predicting Relative Frequencies can be embedded into this more complex instruction.  Besides Claim 1, Target I - most of this unit “lives in” Claim 4, Modeling & Data Analysis; therefore, students should analyze complex, real-world scenarios, construct, and use mathematical models to interpret and solve problems.  While some direct instruction is expected, students should be doing many hands-on activities like testing and comparing probabilities (see Question 1 Rationale).  Depth is achieved in this unit by taking probabilities of compound events and comparing experimental & theoretical probabilities to a level 4, beyond grade level, understanding.  In the main focus of the unit, students perhaps found probabilities by participating in experiments or games; for depth, they create their own.  In the main focus of the unit students compared experimental & theoretical probabilities, for depth they explain what might have accounted for those differences and evaluate the associated probability model.

This unit is another chance to engage with fractions from Unit 2, expressions and equations from Unit 3, and proportions from Unit 4 as students compare probabilities and calculate probabilities of compound events.  This is also a chance to finish the year with some fun activities & games related to probability.