Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

1

Students will be able to calculate theoretical and experimental probabilities for simple and compound events using sample spaces and trial data to determine likelihood.

2

Students will be able to develop probability distributions for a random variable in a current-issue scenario to represent possible outcomes and their chances.

3

Students will be able to compute and interpret expected value from a probability distribution to evaluate decisions in a real-world context.

4

Students will be able to analyze fairness and strategy in decision situations using probability evidence to justify a recommendation.

5

Students will be able to select and defend a probability method that fits a current issue investigation by explaining why the method matches the question.

6

Students will be able to document anomalies, limitations, and revisions in their probability investigation to improve the honesty and quality of their conclusions.

Products

individual

Probability Investigation Notebook

A research notebook that records the student’s current-issue question, method choice, sample space, raw calculations, probability distribution, expected value work, anomalies, and personal conclusion. It must show how the student’s thinking changed from initial estimate to final claim.

team

Likelihood Showcase Poster and Presentation

A team investigation report in poster, slide, or digital board form that synthesizes each member’s evidence into one probability model and decision recommendation. It must explain the method used, show calculations and visuals, address conflicting findings, and defend the team’s conclusion in a public showcase.

Rubric
Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric
Category
Learning Goal
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Content knowledge
Students will be able to calculate theoretical and experimental probabilities for simple and compound events using sample spaces and trial data to determine likelihood. - calculate
  • I can calculate theoretical probabilities for simple events using a correctly defined sample space and list outcomes that match the event I am asked about.
  • I can calculate theoretical and experimental probabilities by running trials, recording results, and computing experimental frequencies, then comparing them to my theoretical probabilities for simple events.
  • I can calculate theoretical and experimental probabilities for compound events using appropriate event notation (such as “and/or” or complements) and expanded sample spaces, then use my trial data to check whether outcomes align with theory.
  • I can independently model and compute theoretical vs
  • experimental probabilities for compound events using trial data robustly (including enough trials to justify estimates), and I can justify discrepancies by explaining how my sampling or assumptions affect likelihood.
Content knowledge
Students will be able to develop probability distributions for a random variable in a current-issue scenario to represent possible outcomes and their chances. - develop
  • I can define the random variable for my current-issue scenario and list the possible values it can take from a given sample space (e.g., outcomes I will model)
  • I can assign theoretical probabilities to each outcome using clear rules from the scenario.
  • I can build a probability distribution for my random variable (table/graph/list) that matches my sample space, with each value paired to its theoretical probability
  • I can check that my distribution is complete and that the probabilities are consistent with the scenario.
  • I can use my probability distribution to calculate and interpret expected value for a decision connected to my current issue (using an organized computation)
  • I can explain how each probability influences the outcomes in my distribution and what the expected value means for making a choice.
  • I can develop and justify an accurate probability distribution for my random variable and refine my model when assumptions or evidence change
  • I can compare results (e.g., expected value and alternative models) to support a fair, well-reasoned decision and clearly communicate how the distribution represents possible outcomes and their chances.
Skill
Students will be able to compute and interpret expected value from a probability distribution to evaluate decisions in a real-world context. - compute and interpret
  • I can compute expected value from a simple probability distribution by multiplying each outcome value by its theoretical probability and summing the results to reach one expected value.
  • I can compute expected value from a full probability distribution and explain what the expected value means in context (e.g., the long-run average or typical payoff for a random decision).
  • I can use expected value to compare at least two real-world decision options by calculating each option’s expected value from its probability model and interpreting which option is more favorable based on those values.
  • I can justify a recommendation using expected value by linking my probability distribution, calculations, and interpretation, and I can revise my decision after comparing my theoretical expected value to experimental results or updated evidence.
Skill
Students will be able to analyze fairness and strategy in decision situations using probability evidence to justify a recommendation. - analyze and justify
  • I can use a probability model to compare likely outcomes of two or more choices in a familiar scenario and make a basic recommendation based on which outcome is more probable
  • I can show the theoretical probabilities (or frequencies from a small experiment) and connect them to my choice in my work.
  • I can analyze a decision situation by calculating probabilities for relevant outcomes and using expected value (or a comparable probability-based metric) to justify which strategy is fair and/or yields better results
  • I can explain how my probabilities support my recommendation and revise my choice when the evidence changes.
  • I can compare competing strategies in a more complex decision context by building a probability distribution, calculating expected value, and analyzing trade-offs (risk vs
  • reward) using probability evidence
  • I can justify fairness by explaining how the model represents the random process and supports a recommendation that others could evaluate.
  • I can independently design and defend a probability-based recommendation for a current issue by selecting an appropriate random model, justifying assumptions, and using expected value and/or decision analysis to evaluate multiple strategies
  • I can clearly communicate why the decision is fair, anticipate counterarguments about assumptions or uncertainty, and adjust my conclusion based on new evidence or feedback.
Disposition
Students will be able to select and defend a probability method that fits a current issue investigation by explaining why the method matches the question. - select and defend
  • I can choose a probability method that matches my current-issue question and explain the basic reasoning for my choice using one clear probability idea (such as randomness, sample space, or likelihood)
  • I can show how my method connects to the outcomes I want to predict.
  • I can select a probability method for my current-issue investigation and defend it by linking the method to my specific question and the outcomes being modeled
  • I can explain, with evidence from my calculations or models, why this method is appropriate for estimating or comparing probabilities.
  • I can justify my chosen probability method by explaining how it supports fair decision-making or strategy analysis for my current issue
  • I can connect my model to theoretical and/or experimental probabilities and describe how it helps answer what is most likely and what expected outcomes suggest.
  • I can independently select and strongly defend a probability method that best fits my current-issue investigation, including why alternative methods would be less suitable
  • I can clearly explain the assumptions behind my model, use expected value/decision logic to support my prediction, and revise or refine my method as my evidence changes.
Disposition
Students will be able to document anomalies, limitations, and revisions in their probability investigation to improve the honesty and quality of their conclusions. - document and revise
  • I can record when my experimental results do not match my theoretical probabilities by naming the specific anomalies and listing the possible reasons I notice from my lab process.
  • I can document limitations in my probability investigation (like small sample size or assumptions about outcomes) and explain how those limitations could affect the match between my predicted and observed probabilities.
  • I can revise my model and prediction using evidence by updating calculations, re-specifying assumptions, and describing exactly how my anomalies or limitations led to a change in my conclusion.
  • I can clearly justify my final conclusions by comparing theoretical vs
  • experimental results, quantifying the impact of limitations, and explaining how my revisions improved the honesty, fairness, and credibility of my probability-based decision.