Activity Overview
In this activity, students set weights for factors and observe how it affects the probability of a particular outcome. They set a weight for 3 factors for each of the six horses in a race. The three factors are weighted differently in different parts of the race. They compare the experimental and theoretical probability of a particular outcome.
Before the Activity
Install the Probability Simulation Application on the calculator using one of these two methods:
- TI Connect™, a TI Connectivity Cable, and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable
- TI-Navigator™ "send to class" feature
- See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
- Print pages 69 - 78 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Using the Earning table, determine the cumulative earnings for each horse, and what percent of the overall total for the 6 horses that amount represents
Determine the weight for each horse
Use the Jockey's Placing table to determine the weight setting for each jockey
Based on the information in the Post Position table determine the weight for each of the post positions
Start the Probability Simulator application
Start the Roll dice simulation
Randomly select a post position and jockey for each horse
Enter weights for horses, jockeys, and post positions
Identify the part of the race for which each factor is important and adjust the trial sets
Predict the outcome of the race
Run the simulation and record the outcome of the race
Examine how various factors affected the outcome
After the Activity
Students will complete the Student Worksheet and answer questions.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary