reSolve: Probability - Forensic Investigations

• This resource is extremely valuable for the year 10 mathematics content description about evaluating statistical reports in the media by linking claims to displays, statistics and representative data. Students explore the statistical and probabilistic claims made in reports, evaluate the mathematical strategies used and how they can influence or mislead an audience.
• The resource is also valuable for the year 10 mathematics content descriptions about assigning probabilities to outcomes; determining probabilities of events and the use of probabilistic language in conditional statements. Students are given real examples of reports that describe the probabilities of events and challenged to critique whether the events are conditional or independent and whether the mathematical language is applied accurately or in a way that misleads the audience.
• The resource is of significant value for supporting the Critical and Creative Thinking general capability. Students are given complex case studies and asked to critically analyse independently sourced information to determine bias and reliability.
• The resource is also valuable for supporting the Numeracy general capability. The lesson provides authentic opportunities for students investigate how the results of chance events are not always the same as expected results and how this can be used to influence an audience.
• This resource is also of pedagogical value as it supports teachers in building an inquiry-focused learning environment with authentic application of mathematical skills and understandings. The unit aims to develop content knowledge as well as assisting students to understand the process of inquiry.

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