Today in class we discussed the language of chance and probability. We discussed three points that express the chance (or probability) that an event will occur:
Sure to happen
Not sure if it will happen
Sure it will not happen
In Mathematics, these expressions have very specific meanings and are different from the everyday expressions we often use them as (eg. I’m sure I’m going to soccer tonight). To help children understand this vocabulary in the context of chance, we looked at other expressions that have the same meaning.
Sure to happen – for sure, definitely will happen, certain, has to happen, must happen, 100% positive, unavoidable, can’t be stopped from happening. Examples include:
- the sun will set tonight
- tomorrow will be Thursday
- 2 plus 2 will be 4
Not sure if it will happen – uncertain, might happen, could happen, possibly, likely, unlikely, probably, very unlikely, don’t know for sure
- I will have homework tonight
- I will go to soccer tonight
- It will be sunny tomorrow
Sure will not happen – impossible, can’t happen, no way, will never happen
- Tomorrow will be Monday
- A cartoon character will come to life
Obviously there are degrees of probability in between these 3 points, but in Grade 3 children are responsible for being able to match an event with one of these measures of chance.
This Math lesson is also a good opportunity to discuss with your child the meaning of an expression and exaggeration, which we use in everyday life. We can use these expressions (example: I’m positive we’re having pizza tonight) to get a point across without being literal.
Miss Fear's Grade 3 Class 