Activity Overview
Two popular word games in one activity. Students use a program to extract letter frequencies from text and uses the data to analyse two of the most popular word games: Scrabble and Wordle. Students develop strategies for the second game and test them using the program: TIgram.
Objectives
Students see how to compare quantities as proportions through percentages and then use this knowledge to apply strategies to two different word games. In addition to percentage calculations, students use data, statistics and graphs to explain and interpret their results.
Vocabulary
- Percentage
- Frequency
- Expected value
- Mean
- Mode
- Histogram
About the Lesson
Students start by using a program to analyse letter frequencies as they type in sentences to the calculator. Letter frequencies are analysed and compared to those in the popular board game, Scrabble™. Students also consider the letter frequency and score relationship to ascertain if any letter represent better value. Once students have finished analysing frequencies, they use their knowledge to create strategies for the popular online game; Wordle. Students can use the program to practice and put their skills to the test!