Possible Choices 3E
Overview
In this Phlow, learners connect visual representations of random events to their symbolic forms. Mia flips a coin (showing Heads (H) or Tails (T)) and rolls a 6-sided die (numbers 1–6). Students view images of both — the coin face and the die outcome — and must determine the correct combined result (e.g. H4 or T2).
Each question presents clear visuals with side-by-side images of the coin and die. Learners apply their understanding of event combinations to translate these into symbolic notations. The task builds fluency in recognising outcomes as pairs of independent events, bridging the gap between conceptual listing (from 3C–3D) and symbolic shorthand used in probability reasoning.
By the end, students can confidently interpret symbolic results (e.g., “T3 means Tails and 3”) and link each to real-world outcomes shown in pictures. This skill supports later work on sample spaces, probability tables, and event likelihood.
Prerequisite Knowledge Required
- Understanding that a coin has two outcomes (Heads/Tails).
- Knowing that a die has six numbered faces (1–6).
- Awareness of combining two results into a single expression (e.g., “H4” means both events occurred).
- Completion of Possible Choices 3C (coin and die combinations).
Main Category
Data & Probability / Representing Outcomes
Estimated Completion Time
Approx. 4–5 minutes (visual recognition task across four examples).
Cognitive Load / Step Size
Low to Moderate — visual cues make reasoning intuitive, and minimal calculation is required. Focus is on decoding, not generation, easing transition toward symbolic probability work.
Language & Literacy Demand
Low — only a few key words are needed (flip, roll, heads, tails, shown, result). Symbols (H1, T2, etc.) provide clear visual scaffolds, supporting students with varying literacy levels.
Clarity & Design
- Realistic visuals of the coin and die enhance understanding.
- Colour-coded guides indicate which side corresponds to H or T.
- Consistent layout (coin left, die right) supports pattern recognition.
- Immediate feedback confirms the correct symbolic pairing, maintaining flow and confidence.
Curriculum Alignment
Irish Junior Cycle Mathematics – Learning Outcome 1.11
- Identify outcomes of combined random events.
- Represent results of everyday chance processes using symbols and notation.
- Connect pictorial and symbolic representations of probability events.
Engagement & Motivation
High — students enjoy the immediate link between realistic visuals and abstract notation. Each step feels like a visual puzzle, encouraging active engagement and rewarding intuitive reasoning.
Error Opportunities & Misconceptions
- Confusing which side of the coin represents Heads vs Tails.
- Reversing order (e.g., writing “2H” instead of “H2”).
- Miscounting or misreading die faces.
These are corrected through feedback and consistent visual mapping (coin always first, die always second).
Transferability / Real-World Anchoring
Strong — connects classroom probability to real-world randomness (coins, dice, and games). Prepares learners to interpret event notation in experiments, coding, and simulations where multiple outcomes are combined.
Conceptual vs Procedural Balance
Conceptual: recognising how two random events combine into one outcome.
Procedural: translating from image to symbolic pair (H4, T5, etc.) quickly and accurately.
Learning Objectives Addressed
- Recognise how two random events combine to form one outcome.
- Translate between visual and symbolic forms of outcomes.
- Understand independence in event combinations.
- Build fluency with mathematical notation for probability scenarios.
What Your Score Says About You
- Below 4: Review what H and T mean — match each symbol to the correct coin face.
- 5–7: You’re identifying outcomes correctly — check the order (coin first, die second).
- 8–9: Excellent — you’re confidently linking visuals to symbolic results.
- 10 / 10: Perfect! You can now interpret and record chance outcomes symbolically — ready for Possible Choices 4A, where you’ll calculate probabilities using these outcomes.