Surf for More Math
Lesson 5 - Applying Probabilities
To encourage students to have fun on the Web while learning about Applying Probabilities, here are some games and interactive activities they can do on their own or in pairs.
Goal
Calculate and compare probabilities.
Builds Upon
Student Book pages 430-432
Instructions for Use
Fish Tank allows students to measure how likely an event is to happen or probability.
To use Fish Tank, choose the level of difficult and press 'Start'. Answer the probability questions by clicking on the pull-down menus. Press 'Go' to continue.
Probability lets students compare theoretical and experimental probabilities.
To Use Probability, select a red button to the left of the screen - die, spin, suit, card, or coin. The green line shows the theoretical probability for each event.
Click '?' several times to generate an experimental probability. Click 'Reset' to return to the theoretical probability.
Quincunx Parameters lets students compare probabilities as to where a ball will stop when manipulating the number of rows, gravity, and elasticity of the dropping ball.
To use Quincunx Parameters, click the 'Drop Ball' button ten times and record its destinations. Manipulate the sliders, one at a time to compare probabilities. For example, begin by moving the slider to change the number of rows. Then click the 'Drop Ball' button ten times and record its destinations . Next change the gravity slider and click the 'Drop Ball' button ten times and record its destinations . Finally change the ball elasticity slider and the 'Drop Ball' button ten times and record its destinations . Continue to experiment with different combinations and compare probabilities.