Activity Detail
If you are using a TI-73, TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89, there may be particular math or science applications you will need to download to use certain activities. If you are using TI-Nspire technology, please update your TI-Nspire handheld operating system or computer software to view the latest activities. The latest TI-Nspire operating system was released in June 2009.
Browse by Subject Submit Activity Saved Activities Advanced Search
  


add to saved activities



print this activity
 
Probably Not!
 


Activity Overview

Students learn to find the theoretical probability of different female/male combinations in a family of kittens. Students will investigate empirical and theoretical probabilities and make a connection to Pascal's triangle and binomial outcomes.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 99 - 105 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Given a problem to find the probability that a cat will deliver 5 calico female kittens
  • Divide the class in pairs
  • Each pair simulates the flipping of 5 coins 50 times on the calculator, with 1 standing for heads (female), and 0 standing for tails (male)
  • Keep a tally chart of all outcomes
  • Record results of each group
  • Generate lists for the number of female kittens, team frequency totals, and class frequency totals
  • Enter data in lists and plot a bar graphs of number of female kittens versus team frequency totals and number of female kittens versus class frequency totals
  • Make a list of all possible combination of outcomes and complete the summary table provided
  • Complete Pascal's Triangle
  • Use Pascal's Triangle and the summary table to complete the Theoretical Probability Table
  • Generate a list and enter fractional probabilities
  • Generate another list with the predicted or expected numbers
  • Create a double bar graph and compare the empirical and theoretical probabilities

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Worksheet and analyze the results.

    Review student results:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : Statistics : Probability and Simulation

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 11 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Discovering Mathematics with the TI-73: Activities for Grades 7 And 8



    Report an issue with this activity