This is a level 3 probability activity from the Figure It Out theme series.
A PDF of the student activity is included.
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explore how results can vary from expectations
FIO, Level 2-3, Theme: Under the Sea, Fish Fair, page 12
A classmate
Game
Students can play this game in pairs and record their results systematically. For example, they can use a tally:
Discuss the need to play a large number of games to increase the reliability of results. If many students are playing the game, the results can be collated to get a larger sample.
Students should notice that a player wins only about one-third of the time. Encourage them to explain these results. Here are some possible methods:
“One of the three cups will make you lose.” (the opposite of winning)
Possible results:
Answers to Activity
Game
A game about data recording