- Definition
Independent events are things that happen where one doesn't change the chances of the other happening. For example, flipping a coin and rolling a dice are independent because the coin flip won't affect the dice roll.
Flipping a coin and getting heads is an independent event from rolling a die and getting a 4, because one outcome does not affect the other.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Independent events are like you choosing your snack and your friend choosing theirs; your choice doesn't change what they have.
Ask your child: If you flip a coin and get heads, does that change what the next flip will be?
Common mix-up: Kids may think that if one event happens first, it must affect the next. The key is that for independent events, the outcome of one has no impact on the outcome of the other.
Examples
- Drawing a card from a deck, putting it back, and then drawing a second card.
- Spinning a spinner twice; the first spin does not change the outcome of the second spin.
independent events is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
