Probability

Probability is a area where it is easy to find interesting, hands-on activities. Here is a small collection.


Greed!!!
Filename: jc_pr001.doc (14 Kb)
Date: 26-May-98
Submitted By: Rex Boggs
Format: MS Word Document
Description: Students first play and analyse, as a class, 'Pass the Pig',a commercial game using two swine-shaped dice. Each group then has to invent a similar game, and analyse it to find the optimum strategy. For example, one group invented 'Breakfast', where the players toss two fried eggs and a strip of bacon. Time consuming, but good fun. I used it with year 9s, but year 10 on up would be better.


Dice Difference
Filename: jc_pr002.doc (20 Kb)
Date: 26-May-98
Submitted By: Charles Lovitt (Curriculum Corporation)
Format: MS Word Document
Description: Students play and analyse Dice Difference. Throw two dice, and subtract the smaller number from the larger. The answer is called the ‘Dice Difference’. The smallest difference is 0, and the largest difference is 5. If the Dice Difference is 0, 1 or 2, the Low player wins. If the
Dice Difference is 3, 4 or 5, the High player wins.




Greedy Pig
Filename: jc_pr003.doc (14 Kb)
Date: 26-May-98
Submitted By: Charles Lovitt (Curriculum Corporation)
Format: MS Word Document
Description: A great whole class introductory activity for probability. Students get a feel for the variation that occurs in random events, and have to make and justify decisions, based on probability. As an added bonus, students learn how to
construct stem-and-leaf plots!




Unders and Overs
Filename: jc_pr004.doc (23 Kb)
Date: 26-May-98
Submitted By: Rex Boggs
Format: MS Word Document
Description: Students have to place bets on one of three outcomes - Under 7, Seven, or Over 7. Two dice are tossed and the numbers added. If Unders or Overs wins, the payout is even money. If Seven wins, the payout is 4 to 1. Students are asked to analyse this game to determine which is the best bet.



Prisoners
Filename: jc_pr005.doc (17 Kb)
Date: 26-May-98
Submitted By: Bob Bowser, Glenmore High School
Format: MS Word Document
Description: How should you place your prisoners in the cells so that you can release them as quickly as possible? Another neat
introductory probability activity shown to us by Charles Lovitt. Introduces many probability concepts.