Chance Champs – Friday

Probability is one of the most fun topics in all of mathematics – and one of the most useful to understand out in the real world! But sadly, when the academic standards were revamped a few years ago, probability was moved out of the elementary grades and into middle school math. Mr. Arrowsmith is on a mission to bring this awesome topic back to Bryant!

Participants will learn basic probability concepts, such as describing chance and calculating it with fractions and percents, then test our theories through hands-on experiments. We’ll explore the math behind flipping coins, rolling dice, spinners, a deck of cards, drawing marbles from a bag—and design our own board games! It’s a math class with no tests or grades, designed for curious minds who enjoy critical thinking and learning by doing. It’s also a great way to improve understanding around fractions, a notoriously tricky concept.

How many tries will it take you to draw one of the three blue marbles out of the bag? Are you more likely to flip tails three times in a row or roll “snake eyes”? Come join us to find out! In fact, Mr. Arrowsmith has already calculated the probability that you’ll sign up for this class. (The odds look good.)

Due to the advanced nature of the math involved (fractions, percents, basic multiplication and division), this course is recommended for students grades 3-5, but open to 2nd graders who are up to the task.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a club or a camp, it’s a structured academic course students may take once. The Monday section and Friday section are identical. Please do not sign your child up for both sections. Thank you! 

Instructor: John Arrowsmith

Day of Week: Fridays

Time: 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Dates of classes: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, no class 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, no class 6/30 – 8 classes

Grades: 2-5

Location: Room 307