The theory of probability is an important branch of mathematics with many practical applications in the physical, medical, biological and social sciences. An understanding of this theory is essential to understand weather reports, medical findings, political doings and the state lotteries. Students have many misconceptions about probability situations.
Grade Level:
Appropriate for grades 5-12
Desired Number of Participants (if collaboration with other classes):
A class
Project Timeline:
90 min
Curriculum Subject Area(s):
Math , science
Objectives of Project:
As a result of this activity the student will:
1. conduct an experiment
2. determine if a game is "fair"
3. collect data (table)
4. interpret data ( range, mode, median)
5. display data (line graph)
6. conduct analysis of game ( tree diagram)
7. state and apply the rule (definition)for
probability
Materials/Resources: (List Both on-line and off-line materials/resources
needed)
On-line:
none
Off-Line:
overhead grid, overhead,
pencils, paper.
Procedure(Step by step instructions for developing the project):
1. introduce activity with a demonstration of game: rock, scissors, paper.
2. Divide class into pairs (player A and player B) and have them play
the
game 18 times.
3. Use overhead graph grid to graph the wins of player A in red (how
many A players won one game, two games etc.) Do the same for all
B players in
a different color.
4. Help students determine range, mode and mean for each set of
data.
Compare the results.
5. Do a tree diagram to determine the possible outcomes.
6. Answer the following questions to determine if the game is fair.
a. How many outcomes does game have
? (9)
b. Label each possible outcome on tree
diagram as to win for A, B or tie.
c. Count wins for A (3)
d. Find probability A will win in any
round (3/9=1/3)
Explain what probability
means favorable outcomes/ possible outcomes
e. Count wins for B (3)
f. Find probability B will win in any
round (3/9)
g. Is game fair? Do both players
have an equal probability of winning in any round? (yes)
7. Compare the mathematical model with what happened when the
students played the game.
Follow-up with discussion about how probability is used in world.
Play game again using 3 students. Using the following rules:
1. A wins if
all 3 hands are same.
2. B wins if
all 3 hands are different.
3. C wins if
2 hands are same.
There will be 27 outcomes this time. 3 to the third
power. 3*3*3=27
Extensions to other subject areas:
Integrated studies
Student Evaluation Method:
Student journal of the experiment
Project Evaluation