EngageNY
Determining Discrete Probability Distributions 1
Learn how to determine a probability distribution. In the ninth installment of a 21-part module, future mathematicians use theoretical probabilities to develop probability distributions for a random variable. They then use these...
EngageNY
Interpreting Expected Value
Investigate expected value as a long-run average. The eighth installment of a 21-part module has scholars rolling pairs of dice to determine the average sum. They find aggregate data by working in groups and interpret expected value as...
EngageNY
Expected Value of a Discrete Random Variable
Discover how to calculate the expected value of a random variable. In the seventh installment of a 21-part module, young mathematicians develop the formula for expected value. They connect this concept the dot product of vectors.
EngageNY
Probability Distribution of a Discrete Random Variable
Learn how to analyze probability distributions. The sixth installment of a 21-part module teaches pupils to use probability distributions to determine the long-run behavior of a discrete random variable. They create graphs of probability...
EngageNY
Discrete Random Variables
You don't need to be discreet about using the resource on discrete variables. In the fifth installment of a 21-part module, scholars explore random variables and learn to distinguish between discrete and continuous random variables. They...
EngageNY
The General Multiplication Rule
In the first installment of a 21-part module, scholars build on previous understandings of probability to develop the multiplication rule for independent and dependent events. They use the rule to solve contextual problems.
Balanced Assessment
Dart Boards
Bulls eye! Design dart boards with specific chances of winning. Individuals determine the probability of hitting a circular and a triangular dart board inscribed in squares. They create dart boards that have a 50 percent chance of...
Inside Mathematics
Winning Spinners
Winning a spin game is random chance, right? Pupils create a table to determine the sample space of spinning two spinners. Individuals determine the probability of winning a game and then modify the spinners to increase the probability...
Inside Mathematics
Marble Game
Pupils determine the theoretical probability of winning a game of marbles. Individuals compare the theoretical probability to experimental probability for the same game. They continue on to compare two different probability games.
EngageNY
Using Permutations and Combinations to Compute Probabilities
Now that we know about permutations and combinations, we can finally solve probability problems. The fourth installment of a 21-part module has future mathematicians analyzing word problems to determine whether permutations or...
Noyce Foundation
Counters
For some, probability is a losing proposition. The assessment item requires an understanding of fraction operations, probability, and fair games. Pupils determine the fractional portions of an event. They continue to determine whether...
Bowland
Speed Cameras
Do speed cameras help reduce accidents? Scholars investigate this question using a series of spreadsheet activities. Along the way, they learn about randomness, probability, and statistical analysis.
Bowland
How Risky is Life?
"Life is more risk management, rather than exclusion of risks." -Walter Wriston. Scholars use provided mortality data to determine how likely it is a person will die from a particular cause. They compare the data to the perception of the...
Bowland
Explorers – Patrol Services
Far out — plan a trip to space! Aspiring mathematicians steer a space vehicle through an asteroid field, calculate currency exchanges to buy provisions, and determine placement of charges to blow up asteroids. Along the way, they learn...
Bowland
Crash Test
Use mathematics and simulations to investigate car crashes. IScholars test hypotheses involving car crashes. They collect, analyze, and display data from computer simulations to support or refute their hypotheses.
Balanced Assessment
Batting Orders
A baseball coach has more than 700 billion decisions to make before a game even starts, and in this resource individuals calculate the number of ways a coach can make a batting lineup. The first question places nine players out of nine....
Noyce Foundation
Fair Game?
The game should be fair at all costs. The mini-assessment revolves around the ability to use probabilities to determine whether a game is fair. Individuals determine compound events to calculate simple probabilities and make...
Balanced Assessment
Lotto
You can't win if you don't play! Find out how to increase your chances of winning the lottery. Scholars analyze a state lottery system for the probability of winning. They also consider different combinations of numbers and how they...
Balanced Assessment
Legos
How many ways can you arrange two six-hole Legos? Scholars practice their understanding of combinations as they investigate this question. As they create a plan, they develop a specific definition of a combination.
Statistics Education Web
Odd or Even? The Addition and Complement Principles of Probability
Odd or even—fifty-fifty chance? Pupils first conduct an experiment rolling a pair of dice to generate data in a probability lesson. It goes on to introduce mutually exclusive and non-mutually exclusive events, and how to use the...
Teach Engineering
Processes on Complex Networks
Introduces your class to random processes in networks with an activity that uses information about disease spread using the susceptible, infectious, resistant (SIR) model. Participants determine whether a susceptible person becomes...
Teach Engineering
Curb the Epidemic!
Class members use an applet on the Internet to simulate the spread of a disease. The simulation allows individuals to determine two nodes to vaccinate to limit the number of nodes infected. By running several simulations, scholars...
EngageNY
Probability Rules (part 1)
In statistics, probability rules—literally! Learners use their previous knowledge and explore a set of rules for conditional probability, independent probability, and complements. Given different scenarios, they must determine what type...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Representing Probabilities: Medical Testing
Test probability concepts with an activity that asks pupils to first complete a task investigating false positive in medical testing and then to evaluate sample responses to the same task.