When teaching 7th graders about probability, it’s important to talk about two main ideas: theoretical probability and experimental probability. Here’s why both are important:

1. Understanding Concepts: Theoretical probability helps students learn the math behind probability. They can use formulas to find out how likely certain events are. For example, if you roll a fair die, the chance of getting a specific number is $P = \frac{1}{6}$. This means there’s one chance in six.

2. Real-world Connections: Experimental probability shows students how theory works in real life. When they do their own experiments, like flipping coins or rolling dice, they can see differences in the results. This helps them connect the math they learn to actual situations.

3. Critical Thinking: When students look at both theoretical and experimental results, they practice critical thinking. They can think about why the numbers might be different. They might consider things like how many times they did the experiment or if they made any mistakes.

In simple terms, using both theoretical and experimental probability makes learning more fun and helps students understand probability better!