Math Essentials 10 Desmos Activity Collection - A collection of online student Desmos activities organized by unit.
G1 express probabilities of simple events as the number of favourable outcomes divided by the total number of outcomes
G2 express probabilities as fractions, decimals, and percentages and interpret probabilities expressed in each of these forms
G3 predict and describe the results obtained in carrying out probability experiments related to familiar situations involving chance
G4 compare predicted and experimental results for familiar situations involving chance, using technology to extend the number of experimental trials
G5 simulate familiar situations involving chance and explain the choice of simulation
G6 interpret information about probabilities to assist in making informed decisions in a variety of situations
G7 interpret and assess probabilistic information used in the media and in common conversation
Additional Resources and Activities for Unit 6 (probability):
Outcomes G3, G4, G5, G6 and G7 were deemed non-Foundational and are no longer included in Math Essentials 10
Note: This outcome revisits similar outcomes from Math 7 (SP04, SP05, SP06) and Math 8 (SP02)
Play a dice game - Many dice games rely on probability to make strategic game play decisions.
Shut the Box - Traditionally this game is played with a box, but you can play with pencil and paper or even playing cards.
Pig - Pig is in a category of games called "jeopardy" games. The dominant type of decision is whether or not to jeopardize previous gains by rolling for potential greater gains. Choose a player to go first. That player throws a six sided die and scores as many points as the total shown on the die providing the die doesn’t roll a 1. The player may continue rolling and accumulating points (but risk rolling a 1) or end his turn. If the player rolls a 1 his turn is over, he loses all points he accumulated that turn, and he passes the die to the next player. Play passes from player to player until a winner is determined (usually by accumulating 100 points but a smaller total can be used for shorter games.
Skunk - Skunk is a variation of two-dice pig played with the whole class. Rather than rolling in turn, all players begin the round standing. At any point in the round, a player may hold by sitting down.
A Shot at the Glory from John Berray - Tell students to number their paper one to ten. Tell students to write true or false for each number. Their sequence could be any one of the 1024 distinct permutations that are possible. Have students stand up next to their desks, pencils down. With the showmanship of a circus ringmaster, slowly read off each answer. If they get one wrong, they sit down. Otherwise they remain standing, proudly, and in the jealous awe of their peers. This takes a few minutes if done right, akin to an American Idol results show. I randomly alternate between “Please remain standing if you wrote…” and “Please take a seat if you put…”
Rolling with the Same Probability from Open Middle - Using the whole numbers 1 through 9 at most one time each, fill in the blanks to complete this sentence: Rolling a ___ on two ___-sided dice is the same probability as rolling a ___ on two ___-sided dice.
Probability Carnival from Liz - Students create a game that involves chance rather than skill. We provided a rubric which required a scale model game (that could be played), directions to play the game, theoretical probability, experimental probability and expected payout. Students worked in pairs and created a game for our carnival during class. The project took about 3 days and we held the carnival on the 4th day.
Virtual Adjustable Spinner - NCTM Illuminations