Understanding Probability

Section 9.1

Activity Name Activity Description
Crazy Choices Game Students represent simple chance games as theoretical probabilities by entering data on 'winning' and total outcomes. Students can then simulate a number of trial runs to generate experimental data and probabilities for comparison with theoretical values.
Spinner Students can adjust the number of sectors on a game spinner drawn by the applet, and then compare expected probabilities, calculated from percentage of spinner area, against experimental probabilities, calculated as a percentage of trial 'spins' initiated by the student.
Adjustable Spinner Students can adjust the number of sectors as well as the percentage covered by each sector to create a game spinner drawn by the applet. Students can then compare expected probabilities, calculated from percentage of spinner area, against experimental probabilities, calculated as a percentage of trial 'spins' initiated by the student.
Simple Monty Hall In the style of the TV program "Let's Make a Deal", students choose one of three doors, and then choose to 'stay' or 'switch' after a second door is revealed as a 'losing' choice. The applet compiles empirical probabilities on the value of the 'stay' or 'switch' choice.
Generalized Monty Hall Students select conditions for a series of "Let's Make a Deal" trials. The applet provides empirical data for 'number of wins' for a given set of trial simulations.
Advanced Monty Hall Students select conditions for a "Let's Make a Deal"-style game, and can play individual trials of the game. The applet compiles empirical probabilities on the 'stay' or 'switch' choice given the number of doors in the particular game.
Two Colors Applet The applet provides a conditional probability experiment whereby three boxes are pre-arranged to contain three possible combinations of colored marbles: two green, two red, and one red/one green. Students can run individual and multiple trials of drawing single marbles from a randomly chosen box. The applet accumulates trial results, providing empirical data for discussion of conditional probability.
Venn Diagrams Students learn about classifying numbers into various categories through answering questions about Venn Diagrams.
Marbles Students learn about sampling with and without replacement by modeling drawing marbles from a bag. Parameters: Number and color of marbles in the bag, replacement rule.