Probability

Ana Timbers                    Stockton
                               4420 North Beacon
                               Chicago IL 60640
                               (773) 535-2450

Objective:

To observe the relationship between theoretical probability and 
experimental results.  This activity would work with a seventh grade class.
However, students in grades sixth and eighth grade would enjoy this activity.

Materials Needed:

A.  glue, notepad, ruler, pens, scissors, 2 sheets of different-colored 
poster board, large sheet of graph paper
B.  6 blue marbles, 4 red marbles, and 2 yellow marbles

Strategy:

Using the coins students will be able to realize probability is useful in our 
daily life.  Probability helps us understand the world around us and organize 
information in ways that make it easier to comprehend. 

1.  Students will insert 6 blue marbles, 4 red marbles, and 2 yellow marbles 
    into a small bag. 
2.  Each student will reach into the bag 40 times and chart how
    many times marbles of each color were selected. 
3.  Using graph paper students will record their findings.
4.  Students will compare the relationship between the theoretical probability
    and the actual results of our experiment.
5.  6/12 (1/2), 4/12 (1/3), 2/12 (1/6), are the theoretical probabilities of 
    selecting at random, respectively, each of the three colors. 

Performance Assessment:

I will use a grading rubric for this lesson.  This rubric contains the Chicago 
Public Schools' Curriculum Framework Statements. 

Conclusions:

Students will be able to identify the phenomenological approach to mathematics.  
The theoretical probabilities should be observed in the results of our 
experiment. 

Reference:
    
     Family Math Book