Probably Pistachio by Stuart J. Murphy

Mathematical Strand:

Probability

Topic:

Students will practice making logical predictions from information they are given.

Grade Level:

1st Grade

Lesson created by:

Lina Guebert, 1st Grade, Theodore Roosevelt Elem., Manhattan, KS

Lesson Description:

Materials:

• Probably Pistachio by Stuart J. Murphy, plastic hollow eggs, two colored chips, math mat, prediction/actual work sheets and pencils.
  

1.Launching the Lesson:

1. Read the story and discuss.
   
2. Talk about things that happen each day that you can make logical predictions for.
   

2. Developing the Lesson:

1. Get out the manipulatives for the lesson.
   
2. Have the children stand around as you put 4 chips in the egg. Each chip has a yellow side and a red side.
   
3. Predict how many chips will fall on the red side and how many will fall on the yellow side. Talk about their predictions and why they made that prediction. Write down prediction.
   
4. Shake the egg and then open over the math mat and let the chips fall out.
   
5. Record what they see.
   
6. Discuss differences and what would happen if we tried it again. Would our predictions make more sense.
   
7. In teams let them go back to their desk and experiment on their own. Walk around and listen to their discussions and findings and share with them when needed.
   
8. Have them switch roles as recorder or predictor every five minutes. Start with 3 chips and have them add a chip up to 5 as they rotate.
   

3. Closure/Discussion

1. Have them share with the class. Did they become better predictors after doing the activity for awhile. If so why or why not.
   
2. Revisit the activity several times throughout the year.