The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing at the University of Waterloo is dedicated to the development of materials and workshops that promote effective learning and teaching of mathematics. This unit is part of a project designed to assist teachers of Grades 4, 5, and 6 in stimulating interest, competence, and pleasure in mathematics, among their students. While the activities are appropriate for either individual or group work, the latter is a particular focus of this effort. Students will be engaged in collaborative activities which will allow them to construct their own meanings and understanding. This emphasis, plus the extensions and related activities included with individual activities/projects, provide ample scope for all students’ interests and ability levels. Related “Family Activities” can be used to involve the students’ parents/care givers.The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing at the University of Waterloo is dedicated to the development of materials and workshops that promote effective learning and teaching of mathematics. This unit is part of a project designed to assist teachers of Grades 4, 5, and 6 in stimulating interest, competence, and pleasure in mathematics, among their students. While the activities are appropriate for either individual or group work, the latter is a particular focus of this effort. Students will be engaged in collaborative activities which will allow them to construct their own meanings and understanding. This emphasis, plus the extensions and related activities included with individual activities/projects, provide ample scope for all students’ interests and ability levels. Related “Family Activities” can be used to involve the students’ parents/care givers. Each unit consists of a sequence of activities intended to occupy about one week of daily classes; however, teachers may choose to take extra time to explore the activities and extensions in more depth. The units have been designed for specific grades, but need not be so restricted. Activities are related to the Ontario Curriculum but are easily adaptable to other locales. “Investigations in Probability” is comprised of activities which introduce students to basic concepts of probability, techniques used to determine probability, and applications of probability. Everyday encounters with probability in weather forecasting, interpretation of polls, and commercials for various products and lotteries make it imperative that students acquire some basic knowledge of probability if they are to be able to interpret and evaluate such statements, and hence make well-informed decisions.

An activity of The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1. Electronic reproduction. "Suggested for students at the grade 5 level"--Cover.