If you keep rolling a die, you'll roll a five exactly one-sixth of the time—right? A probability lesson prompts young mathematicians to roll a die 100 times and use the data to calculate empirical probabilities. They then compare these probabilities to theoretical probabilities.

Concepts

theoretical probability, experimental probability, probability experiments

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Have learners work in pairs
• Add together individual data to create class data, so the class can see how increasing number of trials brings experimental probability closer to theoretical probability

Classroom Considerations

• You might need calculators to determine percents

Pros

• Simple hands-on activity keeps pupils engaged in the material

Cons

• Some typos and confusing sentences can make this difficult to understand
• Numbering of critical thinking questions differs on the worksheet and the answer key
• Lesson never mentions the phrases experimental probability and empirical probability

Common Core

7.SP.C.6