TITLE: PROBABILITY: The Study of Chance
AUTHOR: Shirley LeMoine , Garfield Re-2 School District, Rifle, Co.
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: Appropriate for grades 5-12
Math , Integrated studies, science
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:
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
RESOURCES, MATERIALS: overhead grid, overhead,
pencils, paper.
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
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.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
1. Use this as an introduction to a unit on probability.
2. Follow-up with discussion about how probability is used in world.
3. 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
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