Activity Overview
Students explore simulation strategies to solve real world problems involving probability and randomness. They use the Monte Carlo procedure to simulate the collecting of six different colored felt-tipped markers from boxes of Kellogg's cereals. They examine and analyze summary statistics and statistical plots of the data.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 61 - 76 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Assign a number from 1 to 6 for each color
Use the calculator to generate random numbers between 1 and 6 (including 1 and 6)
Record the frequency of the numbers
When all six numbers have appeared at least once, repeat the simulation for two more trials
Enter the data as lists and create a frequency table
Examine the frequency table and record the minimum and maximum values, and the largest frequency
Set up the window and define the width of the interval
Graph a histogram
Create a box-and-whisker plot
Analyze the distribution of the data
Determine the number of boxes a customer has to buy in order to collect all six pen colors
After the Activity
Students complete the data sheet and answer questions.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary