Directions:  Print each of the five different probability spinners.  Cut them out and glue onto black construction paper and laminate.  Make spinners from the laminated construction paper.  Attach with brass brads.  Adjust so the spinners spin well. Label each spinner: a,b,c,d, and e.

Make copies Of the recording sheet for students to record the results of their spins. Cut 1 inch squares of construction paper for students to glue down on their recording sheets in the appropriate column after each spin.
 

The spinners can be used in many different ways in your classroom. You can use them in a center, in an instructional group or as a whole class activity. In a whole class activity, give one spinner to each group of 4. Each group makes predictions about the outcome of their graph. Students take turns spinning the spinner and recording the results on their graph. The group stops the graph when one Halloween character reaches the end of the paper. Have each group member sign their name to the graph. On a separate piece of paper have groups write about what they learned about their spinning and graphing. Collect the spinners and graphs. Display the graphs on the wall. Display the spinners, but not next to the appropriate graph. Ask each group come up to talk about their graph to the class. Student discussion may sound something like this, "The ghosts won. We had three witches. We thought the pumpkins would win, but they didn't. We have 2 more witches than bats on our graph. We have 9 ghosts and bats altogether..." Have the class try to match the appropriate spinner to the group graph. Talk about why a spinner might go with a particular graph. Use the graphs in class for the next few days to generate math problems. ie. "How many bats and pumpkins on graph 1? How many more witches than ghosts on graph 2? etc. Students can write their own math questions for the class ot solve.

You can use the spinners in centers to give students the opportunity to experiment with different spinners and to make individual graphs. Students should be encouraged to write about the results of their individual graphs.

Use the spinners in instructional groups. For younger children, practice counting and comparing numbers. For older students you can use the spinners and graphs for additon, subtraction (how many more ghosts than bats?), and to help discuss and write about the information gathered on their graphs.

The spinners are great to use as an activity at a Halloween party.