CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.7b
The standard
Develop a probability model (which may not be uniform) by observing frequencies in data generated from a chance process.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to collect data from a chance event, use the results to estimate probabilities, and decide whether outcomes seem equally likely. They should understand that experimental probability comes from repeated trials, not just guesses or neat fractions.
Mastery looks like students running enough trials, organizing counts, converting frequencies to probabilities, and explaining what the results suggest. Students often get stuck assuming all outcomes are equally likely, using too few trials, or treating one class result as exact truth instead of an estimate.
Ways to teach it
- Have pairs spin a penny 50 times, record heads and tails, then combine class data to build an experimental probability model.
- Ask students to write: Does a paper cup have equally likely landing positions, and what evidence would convince you?
- Give a small table of trial results and ask students to estimate each outcome’s probability and identify the most likely outcome.
- Connect to board games by testing whether a homemade spinner with unequal sections matches its expected results after many spins.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.7b
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.6
Approximate the probability of a chance event by collecting data on the chance process that produces it and observing its long-run relative frequency, and predi...
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.7a
Develop a uniform probability model by assigning equal probability to all outcomes, and use the model to determine probabilities of events.
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C.7
Develop a probability model and use it to find probabilities of events. Compare probabilities from a model to observed frequencies; if the agreement is not good...
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.C
Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models.