Lesson Plan #: AELP-PRB0004
AUTHOR: Shirley LeMoine , Garfield Re-2 School District, Rifle, Co.
Date: 1994
Grade Level(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject(s):
OVERVIEW:
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.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this activity is to begin the process of helping students to learn the basic principles of probability.
OBJECTIVES:
As a result of this activity the student will:
conduct an experiment
determine if a game is fair
collect data (table)
interpret data ( range, mode, median)
display data (line graph)
conduct analysis of game ( tree diagram)
state and apply the rule (definition) for probability
RESOURCES AND MATERIALS:
- overhead grid
- overhead
- pencils
- paper
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
introduce activity with a demonstration of game: rock, scissors, paper.
divide class into pairs (player A and player B) and have them play the game 18 times.
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.
Help students determine range, mode and mean for each set of data. Compare the results.
Do a tree diagram to determine the possible outcomes.
Answer the following questions to determine if the game is fair.
How many outcomes does game have ? (9)
Label each possible outcome on tree diagram as to win for A, B or tie.
Count wins for A (3)
Find probability A will win in any round (3/9=1/3) Explain what probability means favorable outcomes/ possible outcomes
Count wins for B (3)
Find probability B will win in any round (3/9)
Is game fair? Do both players have an equal probability of winning in any round? (yes)
Compare the mathematical model with what happened when the students played the game.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
Use this as an introduction to a unit on probability.
Follow-up with discussion about how probability is used in world.
Play game again using 3 students. Using the following rules:
A wins if all 3 hands are same.
B wins if all 3 hands are different.
C wins if 2 hands are same.
There will be 27 outcomes this time. 3 to the third power. 3*3*3=27
May 1994 These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center’s Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.