Roll the Dice and Graph the Results

Recommended Grade: Primary

Curriculum Expectations (strand): Data Management and Probability

Grade 3

• collect and organize categorical or discrete primary data and display the data using charts and graphs, including vertical and horizontal bar graphs, with labels ordered appropriately along horizontal axes, as needed;

• read, describe, and interpret primary data presented in charts and graphs, including vertical and horizontal bar graphs;

• predict and investigate the frequency of a specific outcome in a simple probability experiment.

Learning Goal:

We are learning to predict and investigate the frequency of a specific outcome in a simple probability experiment so that we can graph the results.

Required Supplies:

      • an iPad
      • Blockly app
      • sqaure coloured tiles
      • Dot

Instructions or Directions:

1. Program the code on the iPad that will be used using the Blockly or Blocklify app. (See above)

2. Have students work in pairs or small groups.

3. Make sure to press Play to start the algorithm.

4. Students will take turns shaking Dot. Choose a number of times for them to shake Dot (e.g., 24). Whatever colour Dot lands on, students take the corresponding colour tile. Students place the tiles to create a bar graph.

Reflection Questions:

  • What is the likelihood that Dot will land on each of the colours?
  • How many times did Dot land on each of the colours?
  • If you were to do the experiment again, what would you expect the results to be?

Possible Extensions:

  • Have students code their own dice game with Dot?
  • Challenge students to code a spinner game where the probability of landing on green is unlikely.
  • Challenge students to code a 'fair' game and then an 'unfair' game.