Education Technology


What are the Chances?

Activity Overview

In this activity, students determine the probability of a spinner landing on a certain number in eleven trials. They also learn to change the weightage and find subsequent effect on the probability.

Before the Activity

  • Install the Probability Simulation App application on the calculator using the TI Connect™ , TI Connectivity Cable, and Unit-to-Unit Link Cable

  • Set up the calculator as explained in the appendix file
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print the pages from the attached PDF file for the class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Select the spin function
  • Spin the equally weighted spinner 11 times and record the number of times it lands on the number 3
  • Make a table of the outcomes
  • Note the probability of getting the pointer on any of the four sections are equally likely
  • Change the area thus weightage of section 3 to twice the original area, and spin the spinner as done earlier
  • Find the new probability of landing on the number 3 with the weighted spinner
  • Use the Probability Simulation app to perform other simulations (draw cards and toss coins) and explore the probability theory
  • After the Activity

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary