Practical probability
Working out the probabilities of picking fruit from a bag
In this engaging activity, we will explore probabilities by investigating the likelihood of picking a specific piece of fruit from a bag. Get ready to exercise your mathematical thinking and intuition!
Throughout this adventure, students will learn how to assess the likelihood of selecting different fruits based on the number of each type in the bag, and they will examine the concept of probability, exploring how it relates to the chances of picking a particular fruit. Through observation and careful analysis, learners will develop their ability to make educated predictions and estimate the outcomes of their fruit-grabbing endeavours.
By the end of this activity, students will gain a solid understanding of probability and its application in real-world scenarios, and they will become skilled at calculating probabilities, reasoning about likelihoods, and making informed decisions.
Activity introduction
This activity is one of a set of STEM resources developed to support teaching the primary national curriculum and the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on probability.
In this engaging activity, participants will develop a solid understanding of the potential outcomes of simple random events. They will also understand that certain events carry uncertainty regarding their outcomes.
The teacher will start the activity by presenting a bag filled with various fruits. Through a series of differentiated worksheets, learners can progress from calculating the probability of randomly selecting individual fruits from the bag to determining the probability of choosing fruits of specific colours.
This activity serves as an excellent main lesson to introduce learners to the fundamental concepts of probability. As they delve into the calculations and reasoning involved, learners will sharpen their probability skills and enhance their grasp of numerical concepts such as ratios and proportions.
By the end of this activity, participants will emerge with a strengthened ability to work out and comprehend probabilities while reinforcing their overall number skills. So, get ready to dive into probability, where every fruit-filled selection unveils a fascinating lesson in chance and uncertainty.
How long will this activity take?
This activity takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. Download our fun probability experiment worksheet below to begin.
The engineering context
Probability is important to engineers as it examines the likelihood of an event happening so that risks can be reduced. For example, a rail engineer will test the train tracks for a new high-speed train to reduce the probability of failure.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to calculate the probability of picking an item of fruit from a bag.
Download for free below!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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