PROBABILITY AND DICE
activity plan

Grade Level:  10-12

Subject: Algebra2

Time: Two class periods

Objectives:  Students will determine experimental probability rolling one die.
                    Students will determine experimental probability rolling a sum using
        two dice.
                    Students will calculate the theoretical probability of rolling a sum using
                    two dice.
                    Students will do dice tossing with a calculator.

Materials:  Two dice per student
                  Graphing calculator
                  “Rolling a Die” activity sheet
                  “Rolling 2 Dice” activity sheet
                  “Theoretical Probability--Rolling 2 Dice” activity sheet
                  “Die Tossing with a Calculator” activity sheet
                  “Pair a Dies and Probability” activity sheet
               
Procedure:

1. Introduce and discuss the experimental probability formula:

             P(event) =  (number of times the event occurs) / (number of trials)

            Example:  A player hit the bull’s eye on a circular dartboard 8 out of 50.

                            P(bull’s eye) = 8/50 = 16%

2.  Students do the “Rolling a Die” and “Rolling 2 Dice” activity sheets and determine the experimental probability.

3.  Introduce and discuss the theoretical probability formula:

            P(A) = (event A outcomes) / (sample space outcomes)

            Example:  The theoretical probability of rolling odd outcomes with a number
                             cube is 3/6 = ½ = 50%.

4.  Students complete the “Theoretical Probability--Rolling 2 Dice” activity sheet.
           
5.  Students work through the “Die Tossing with a Calculator” activity sheet using the TI83 calculators.

6.  Students work through the “Pair of Dice and Probability” activity sheet using the TI83 calculators.

 

MaryBeth Weier