Probability and Combinations for Third Graders

Abstract

Typically, third graders are expected to associate common fractions with shaded parts of equally divided whole regions. Giving simple experience with probability to children of this age can extend their understanding of the need for fraction in everyday life. If the correspondence of equal chances to equal parts of a figure is emphasized. then fairly difficult problems can be approached through diagrams. The following activities involving probability and combinations build on language-arts experiences and incorporate concepts in multiplication. graphs, and fractions.