Students will investigate the binomial distribution for a small sample size of 10 with several different values for the probability of a success. Then students will graph a normal density curve along with the binomial distribution to roughly judge how accurately that model fits. Finally, students will discover that the larger the sample size, the less important the probability being close to 0.5 becomes. So, the normal distribution is a reasonable approximation to the binomial distribution.

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the activity. Download and distribute the attached .tns file and Student Worksheet for use during the activity.

Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity.