Navigation links: Back to mini-course homepage | Back to Unit 1 | Link to Unit 3

Introduction

Before one can feel confident about implementing probability and statistics into their mathematical curriculum, it is crucial to look at successful examples. In this Unit, you will see an example of a Pre-Algebra I and an Algebra I lesson that connected a course standard with a concept in probability and/or statistics. As a result of this Unit, you will be able to modify an existing Algebra I lesson to incorporate probability and statistics.

Lesson 1: Collecting Data Through a Student-Made Survey

In this first example lesson, students will be collecting and analyzing data. It is most applicable for an eighth grade/Pre-Algebra I classroom, but may be used for other age groups as well.

About the Lesson

Students will be surveying other students at their school or in their school district on the following questions: (1) How old are you? (2) How tall are you? (3) What is your gender? They will then sort this data based on the responses to the third question and construct a scatter plot based on the responses to the first and second question.

This lesson targets the NY-8.SP standard: Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data. (1) Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities. Describe patterns such as clustering, outliers, positive or negative association, linear association, and nonlinear association.

As this standard is specifically a "Statistics & Probability" standard, the implementation of statistics is quite straightforward.

The lesson can be accessed by clicking here.

Reflect

Please answer the following in your Ongoing Learning Journal: How is this lesson effectively implementing statistics? If you were teaching Pre-Algebra I, could you see yourself using this lesson? Explain why or why not.

Lesson 2: Probability as a Unit Rate

In this next example lesson, students will be investigating probability as a unit rate. Much of the Algebra I curriculum focuses on linear functions and slope, also known as unit rate, so it is a perfect lesson to help implement probability and statistics.

About the Lesson

Students will be collecting data to calculate the probability of selecting one of the six colors of m&m's at random. They will then apply these probabilities to answer questions. While answer these questions, they will observe how these probabilities are really just unit rates.

This lesson targets the AI-N.Q standard: Reason quantitatively and use units to solve problems. (1) Select quantities and use units as a way to interpret and guide the solution of multi-step problems.

As you will see when reviewing the lesson, it will also target the AI-S.ID standard: Summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable. (1) Represent data with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots).

The lesson can be accessed by clicking here.

Reflect

Please answer the following in your Ongoing Learning Journal: How is this lesson effectively implementing probability? If you were teaching Algebra I, could you see yourself using this lesson? Explain why or why not.

Lesson 3: Analyzing and Modifying an Algebra I Lesson

After reviewing an example of a Pre-Algebra I and an Algebra I lesson that connects to probability and/or statistics, let's see if you can modify a lesson such that it connects to a Probability & Statistics standard.

Link to the NYS Common Core Standards (scroll to the Probability & Statistics section)

Click for the Algebra I Lesson

Activity

Make a copy of the original Algebra I Lesson, it will automatically be created in our Shared Google Drive. Name your copy as follows, FirstLastU2L3. Choose one of the Probability & Statistics standards to tie to this lesson and modify it such that the standard better fits. This could be as simple as adding in an extra question or as complex as changing an entire section of the lesson. Insert a page at the start of the Google Doc. On this page, please state the standard you are implementing and why you chose to implement it.

Navigation links: Back to mini-course homepage | Back to Unit 1 | Link to Unit 3