Education Technology

How Random!

Subject Area
Math: Statistics: Probability and Random Variables
Level
9-12
Activity Time
90 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire CX series
Resource Types
Lessons

How Random!

Activity Overview

In this activity, students use simulations and graphs to explore the common sense notion that repeatedly flipping a coin results in "heads up" about half of the time. First, they simulate an experiment by representing single coin flips with random numbers. Next, they use a given formula to simulate multiple coin flips at once, allowing them to perform a large number of trials easily. Lastly, they create a histogram of their data, observing that the data clusters around the mean.

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached TI-Nspire document (.tns file) for use during the activity. A TI-Nspire document (.tns file) containing expected student results is also available for download.

During the Activity

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

After the Activity

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

Subject Area
Math: Statistics: Probability and Random Variables
Level
9-12
Activity Time
90 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire CX series
Resource Types
Lessons
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