Syllabus for Probability Main Lesson Block

Grade 9

Instructor: Robert Rich

Course Description:   

The principles of Probability are examined through a series of practical exercises and investigations that are presented in the textbook Interactive Math Program - Year 1 by Key Curriculum Press. These exercises lead the student through an examination of the variety of methods for predicting the likelihood of various ‘outcomes’, including experimental data collection and theoretical modeling. 

Goals:

Students learn to discern whether an event is random, or predictable.  They learn theoretical modeling using tree diagrams and area diagrams, and will calculate outcomes using those models.  

Class Format:  The class meets for one hour and thirty-five minutes each day for three weeks. Most class sessions begin with a review of any questions students bring from the prior night’s homework.  This is followed by exercises or investigations designed to raise, discuss, and then answer, a new question.  Students usually have a few minutes to begin work on their written homework for that night.  Homework is normally assigned three to four times per week. 

Class Participation: 

Full credit for class participation is awarded when:

• At the start of each class each student is ready to begin work, with their book, any homework, notepaper and pencil ready. 
• Students have their materials organized in a manner that allows them to access what is needed quickly and easily, before or during a class.
• Students are attentive during class, avoiding side conversations with classmates.  Side conversations, even about the topic at hand, interfere with the ability of the class to move forward collectively. 
• Students are able to respond to questions asked by the teacher during class.
• Students ask appropriate questions about the material.

Probability Rubric

Class participation   1 X 30 = 30

Quizzes    2 X 25 = 50

Final Test   1 X 50 = 50

Main Lesson Book  1 X 70 = 70      

Total Points             200