Three Spinners

This problem challenges children to find a relationship between sets of numbers and introduces them to the idea of random events. It provides a reason to be able to scan a list which some learners find quite difficult.

This problem could follow a series of lessons on number properties, or it could be used prior to some number work to assess your children's knowledge. In order to have a go at it, they will not need to have encountered probability before.

The activity might be best introduced orally, with just the lists of numbers displayed on the board. It would also be useful for pairs to have a copy of the resource sheet which contains all nine lists. Try not to say too much about what they might do to solve the problem - leave them to develop their own method in their pairs. Warn them that you will expect them to explain what they did.

In a plenary discussion, focus on how the children came to their conclusions. Challenge them to explain why each spin of, for example, the yellow spinner, didn't produce exactly the same numbers.

What can you tell me about these numbers?

What do these numbers have in common?

Which other card has these numbers?

Some learners can be asked to make spinners of their choice and write their own problem. Is there anything they can do to make the challenge as hard as possible? This would be a good discussion point afterwards.

Using the resource sheet , some children might find it useful to cut out the lists of numbers and physically put the similar ones together.