Activity Overview
Students will develop lists of random numbers generated by the TI-Nspire handheld. They will explore their set of numbers and engage in a discussion of whether the random number generator is truly generating numbers at random.
In addition, students will look at statistical models of their numbers and discuss whether "patterns" they see in the set of random numbers are possible if the numbers are truly random.
Before the Activity
No specific prep is required. However, I recommend that the teacher complete this activity before giving it to the students and think about the specific questions their students will pose.
During the Activity
I recommend that students be placed in groups of two to four so that they can compare and contrast their data and graphs in order to draw conclusions.