Independent or Dependent Events?
Year 4 Mathematics Understanding Probability Events
Hook: The Memory Myth
Watch me flip this coin 5 times What do you think will happen next? Does the coin remember previous flips?
Learning Goal
I can identify if events are independent or dependent I can explain what makes an event independent or dependent I can use mathematical language to describe my reasoning
Success Criteria
I can use the strategy: 'Does the first event change the second?' I can give examples of both independent and dependent events I can write a clear explanation using probability language
Key Vocabulary
Independent Events: The first event does NOT change the second event Dependent Events: The first event DOES change the second event Strategy: Ask yourself - 'Does the first event change the second?'
I Do: Coin Flip Example
Event 1: Flip a coin and get heads Event 2: Flip the same coin again Question: Does getting heads first change the second flip? Answer: NO - the coin doesn't remember. These are INDEPENDENT events.
I Do: Drawing Cards Example
Event 1: Draw a red card from a deck (don't put it back) Event 2: Draw another card Question: Does taking out the red card change the second draw? Answer: YES - fewer red cards left. These are DEPENDENT events.
We Do: Rolling Dice
Event 1: Roll a dice and get a 6 Event 2: Roll the same dice again Turn and talk: Are these independent or dependent? Use our strategy: Does the first event change the second?
We Do: Picking Marbles
Event 1: Pick a blue marble from a jar (keep it) Event 2: Pick another marble Show me on your whiteboard: Independent or Dependent? Write one sentence explaining why
Check for Understanding
Which of these are independent events? A) Flipping a coin twice B) Drawing two cards without replacement C) Rolling two dice D) Both A and C
Assessment Practice
Sarah jumps and lands on her feet Then Sarah jumps again Are these events independent or dependent? Explain your reasoning using mathematical language
You Do: Independent Practice
Sort these event pairs into Independent or Dependent 1. Spinning a spinner twice 2. Eating two cookies from a jar 3. Tossing two coins 4. Drawing two names from a hat
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