Quick Take on ... Theoretical and Experimental Probability
Middle school students need opportunities to think about probability to understand the meaning of taking
a chance. These resources support the active development of the concept of probability and the appropriate
use of related mathematics terminology.
Adjustable Spinner
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/spinner/index.html
This simulation demonstrates the difference between experimental and theoretical probabilities. It is easy to run a
number of experiments.
Data Management: A Look at Leisure Activities
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/midlmath/model9.html
Use the navigation on this site to select appropriate class activities. Students collect and analyze data and
can look at differences between experimental and theoretical data when rolling a die.
Introduction to the Concept of Probability
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/lessons/IntroProbability/
This lesson is a good way to build on students' innate understanding of probability.
It includes teacher information, student activities, and definitions of key terms.
Random Drawing Tool - Independent Trials
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=67
This applet enables students to run experiments to examine and better understand theoretical and
experimental probabilities. See the related lesson Boxing Up at
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L448.
Ratios in Probability
http://filer.weblogger.com/earlyalgebraManilaWebsite/classes/Lesson21.pdf
Students can examine the probability of winning prizes using probabilities expressed as ratios.
The Smithville Families
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/mathline/lessonplans/msmp
/smithville/smithville_procedure.shtm
This printable lesson uses Pascal's triangle to build student understanding of theoretical probability.
The lesson explores the probabilities for the births of boys and girls in a large family. The outcome
of a coin toss is used to indicate the birth of a boy or girl.