NCTM
Grades 3-5
Data Analysis and Probability
Understand and apply basic concepts of probability
Lessons (4)
Introduces students to probability simulation, allowing them to explore computer modeling while learning about probability.
Students use probability to determine how likely it is for each tree in a small simulated forest to catch on fire.
Students learn about probability by predicting the outcome of planned experiments and playing racing games.
Students learn about how probability can be represented using geometry.
Activities (6)
Create a game spinner with variable sized sectors to look at experimental and theoretical probabilities. Parameters: Sizes of sectors, number of sectors, number of trials.
Simulation of a coin toss allowing the user to input the number of flips. Toss results can be viewed as a list of individual outcomes, ratios, or table.
Experiment with probability using a fixed size section spinner, a variable section spinner, two regular 6-sided dice or customized dice.
Run a simulation of how a fire will spread through a stand of trees, learning about probability and chaos. Parameters: Probability that a tree catches fire if its neighbor is on fire.
Learn about sampling with and without replacement by randomly drawing marbles from a bag. Parameters: Number and color of marbles in the bag, replacement rule.
Simulate a game where two players each roll a die, and the lucky player moves one step to the finish. Parameters: what rolls win and how many steps to the finish line.