Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Probability: language, scale, calculation, expected outcomes
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key probability terminology (experiment, outcome, sample space, event, complement, mutually exclusive, independent).
  • Convert probabilities between fractions, decimals, percentages, and odds.
  • Calculate theoretical and empirical probabilities using appropriate formulas.
  • Apply complementary, addition, and multiplication rules to solve multi‑step probability problems.
  • Compute the expected value of a discrete random variable and interpret its significance.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector/interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheets with probability and expected‑value tasks
  • Standard dice and coloured beads (for hands‑on activity)
  • Probability scale chart (fraction, decimal, %, odds)
  • Calculators
  • Whiteboard markers and student notebooks
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick think‑pair‑share where students list everyday situations that involve chance, linking to prior work on fractions. Explain that today they will master the language of probability, move between different scales, and learn to calculate probabilities and expected outcomes. Success will be shown by correctly solving a dice‑rolling problem and an expected‑value game.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students write examples of chance events and identify possible outcomes.
  2. Direct instruction (10') – Introduce probability terminology with slides and real‑world examples.
  3. Scale conversion activity (8') – In pairs, convert given probabilities among fraction, decimal, percent, and odds using the chart.
  4. Calculation practice (12') – Guided solving of theoretical and empirical probability problems (dice roll, bead draw); model complementary, addition, and multiplication rules.
  5. Expected value investigation (10') – Small groups compute the expected net gain for the game of chance and create a probability tree.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Quick exit‑ticket quiz with two problems; discuss answers as a class.
Conclusion:
Recap the key terms, scales, and rules, emphasizing their connection to expected value. Students complete an exit ticket answering one probability‑conversion question and one expected‑value question, which will be reviewed together. For homework, assign a worksheet containing mixed probability and expected‑value problems to reinforce today’s learning.