Explore the exciting world of probability! Learn about possible and impossible events, and discover what makes something likely or unlikely to happen.
Meet the Probability Detectives! Emma and Jake are planning a picnic and need to decide what activities to bring. They're wondering: Is it possible it will rain? Is it likely the sun will shine? Is it impossible for it to snow in summer? Let's help them understand the language of probability and make smart decisions!
Probability is the study of how likely something is to happen. It helps us understand and predict whether events will occur, from very likely to completely impossible.
Think of it like this: Probability is like a weather forecast for events - it tells us how "likely" or "unlikely" something is to happen.
These are things that can happen, even if they're not very likely.
These are things that cannot happen, no matter what.
When something is possible, we can also describe how likely it is to happen. We use words like "likely" and "unlikely" to describe the chances.
Look at each weather event and decide if it's possible or impossible, and if possible, whether it's likely or unlikely.
It will rain tomorrow in Seattle
The sun will rise in the west tomorrow
Classify these school-related events as possible/impossible and likely/unlikely.
You'll have math class today
Possible & Likely
You'll get 100% on every test
Possible & Unlikely
You'll turn into a robot
Impossible
You'll eat lunch today
Possible & Likely
Sort these events into the correct categories:
Events to sort:
• You'll see a shooting star tonight
• You'll breathe air today
• You'll grow wings and fly
• You'll get a new pet
Possible & Likely
Possible & Unlikely
Impossible
Possible & Likely
Think of 4 events and classify them:
Unlikely events can still happen! Impossible events cannot happen at all.
Whether something is likely or unlikely depends on the situation. Snow in July is unlikely, but snow in January might be likely!
Base your decisions on what you know about the world, not just what you hope or fear.
Classify each event as possible/impossible and likely/unlikely:
a) You'll see a rainbow today
b) You'll turn into a butterfly