Simple probability math for kids: Certain, possible, impossible

When we talk about probability math (no, not probably — prob-a-bil-ity), we talk about how likely something is to happen. We explore the possible vs. impossible. In other words, we use probability basics to figure out the likelihood of events occurring. Think of it as the mathematical version of fortune-telling, but without the crystal ball.

In our simple probability lesson for kids, we introduce the concept of chance and probability and the language we can use to make predictions about events.

Yes, probability mathematics sounds theoretical. But here at Scratch Garden, making the theoretical enjoyable, engaging, and funny is our specialty. Maybe things get a little strange from time to time (ready for the world’s quickest juggling act?), but it’s all a part of our charm.

Learning about probability with kids

Before young learners can use probability math to make predictions about the likelihood of events, they need the right language. This video offers an introduction to probability language, and there are many, many more words we can use to talk about chance. Here, we are focused on just three:

• Certain
• Possible
• Impossible

Let’s explore what each of these probability words means.

Teaching certain, possible, impossible

Here’s a question for you and your young learners: Are you going to eat dinner tonight? Chances are, you eat dinner almost every night, so you probably will eat dinner tonight, too. When we know for sure something is going to happen, we call it certain.

Other certain events include:

• Going to sleep after you eat dinner
• Brushing your teeth before you go to sleep

Now, here’s another question: Will you eat rocks for dinner? Chances are, you’ve never had rocks for dinner before. They are too hard to chew, too dangerous to eat, and taste really bad. So, you probably won’t have rocks for dinner. When we know something isn’t going to happen, we call it impossible.

Other impossible events include:

• Flying to the moon in a rocket ship and meeting a dwarf called Betty
• Being carried to bed on the back of a unicorn

And one final question: Will you eat spaghetti for dinner? Chances are, you’ve had spaghetti for dinner before. Most people like spaghetti and know how to cook it. So, you could have spaghetti for dinner. When we know something might happen, we call it possible.

Other possible events include:

• Eating dessert after you have dinner
• Reading a book before you go to sleep

So, events can be certain, possible, or impossible. We can also use likely and unlikely and a whole bunch of other descriptors to make predictions. In more advanced probability mathematics, we use numbers between 0 and 1 (or percentages) to represent the likelihood of an outcome.

Now, it’s your turn to engage with simple probability

Our introduction to probability for kids covers certainties, possibilities, and impossibilities. Then, it gets you and your young learners involved with an interactive probability game that puts their understanding of the language to the test.

Watch our simple probability video for kids

Here’s one last taste of basic probability: If you watch our simple probability video, you will enjoy it. That’s not a possibility. It’s a certainty. We make learning about probability math fun, accessible, and interactive. So, join our quirky cast of characters and let’s jump into the wonderful, future-predicting world of probability.