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How to Teach Probability With Dice

Both secondary and primary student curriculum contains probability these days. This is because probability (and its close cousin, statistics) is regarded by the education world as something useful in everyday life. It is also useful in many vocations and is considered a building block toward other aspects of math curriculum. Finally, statistics sharpen critical reasoning skills, something useful throughout the child's education. Dice are an effective way to teach probability because the game pieces are enjoyable, inexpensive, versatile and seamlessly demonstrate the basic concept of probability---that sometimes something happens and sometimes it does not.

Things You'll Need

  • Two dice
  • Two students
  • Desks or tables
  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Markers
  • Number line 2 to 12
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Instructions

  1. Probability Activity No. 1

    • 1

      Teach the children the dice game, Pig. Explain that they will take turns rolling both dice as many times as they like. Tell the students each time they roll, they will add the number on the dice together and record the result, with the exception of when they roll one or double ones.

    • 2

      Explain that if they roll a single one, they lose all points rolled that round. Warn them that if they roll double ones, they lose all points accumulated since the start of the game. Ask them how many times they think it is good to roll at the start, middle and end of the game.

    • 3

      Give the students the opportunity to play for a week or so. Discuss with students which different strategies were used, and how successful those strategies were.

    Probability Activity No. 2

    • 4

      Make a grid on paper that has the numbers two through 12 in evenly divided pieces. Gather 12 markers (small candies, rocks, shells---whatever fits on the grid) for each student.

    • 5

      Explain to the students they may place their markers anywhere on the grid. Demonstrate for them that they may place all 12 on a single number, one on each number or any other combination.

    • 6

      Instruct the students to roll the dice and add the numbers, removing any of their own markers from the number rolled. Teach the children to alternate turns, and encourage them to try different strategies.

    • 7

      Hold a class lecture on strategies that worked and strategies that did not. Discuss the merits of the "all-on-one" and "one-on-each" approach as well as other strategies.

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