Probability, horse race, vocab, probability statements Years 5, 6 & 7

Hi all,

Here are three files for you. One set of vocabulary for probability and two whole lesson activities.
Please read all of the instructions.

The statement banks are designed for whole class discussions and/or individual groups - it's up to you.
I've given these to my year 6 children are they really open up discussion about probability! I normally give each group of 5 or 6 children all of the statements (cut up before hand) and they must give them headings such as 'Possible, maybe, impossible' etc., and they must place them in a line where they come. I always leave it up to them to decide then all groups walk around at the end of the lesson to explain their thoughts then take Q & As. I also hang washing lines around the room as these make fantastic displays!!! (Think observations/OfSTED, guys!)

The smaller versions can be reduced and stuck on long strips of paper to be put in their folders/books...

The vocab is completely editable and is great for your working walls.

Horse Races:
Now, these need to be one set per 6 children and need to be cut out before hand. They will also need 1 dice per group to start with. Begin with the 1 to 6 race first, let the children decide what number they want to be and decide who goes first. The game is simple - each child shakes the dice and moves the number of the horse corresponding to the dice. Shake a 5, move horse no. 5 etc. The winner is the first horse to get to the finishing line. The results will/should be completely random and different on each table - ask the children to use the appropriate vocabulary to explain why - expect some healthy debate!

The larger horse race is repeated in the same way but with 11 children (where possible) and 2 dice. Same rules apply. Now, because the numbers are higher and there are two dice there is more chance of some numbers 'being shaken' more and less chance for others. Usually horses 6, 7 or 8 win, but not always - that's probability for you! You can also change the rules that you only move your horse when you shake your number.... even more discussion....

All of the corresponding horses match the size of the grids and make great displays when finished - just Blutac them onto the game board as they finish. These can then be turned into graphical representations (see the one provided). Personally, I always laminate mine so they last a few years.

I hope you have fun with these - I've had many years of fun and some great lesson observations with them.

Please review these for me - they have taken ages to create!

Many thanks,
Emlo