In the criminal justice system, defendants accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Statistical inference in any context is built on an analogous principle: The null hypothesis--often a hypothesis of "no difference" or "no effect"--is presumed true unless there is sufficient evidence against it. In this…

The new Common Core State Standards for Mathematics have been formulated to provide students with instruction that will help them acquire a thorough knowledge of math at their grade level, which will in turn enable them to move on to higher mathematics with competence and confidence. "Hands-on Activities for Teaching the Common Core Math…

Discussed are the use of probability simulations in a mathematics classroom. Computer simulations using regular dice and special dice are described. Sample programs used to generate 100 rolls of a pair of dice in BASIC and Logo languages are provided. (YP)

"Gedankensimulation" is a term adapted from Einstein's "thought experiments" to indicate mentally created simulations that can help conceptualize ideas. Presents seven examples of simulations that can be utilized to solve problems or illustrate concepts in probability and statistics. Problem contexts include games of chance,…

Presents several theoretical solutions to a geometry problem involving circles and probability. Includes simulation procedures to estimate the solutions. (MKR)

Describes an activity designed to demonstrate the birthday paradox and introduce students to real-world applications of Monte Carlo-type simulation techniques. Includes a sample TI-83 program and graphical analysis of the birthday problem function. (KHR)

One way in which a computer simulation can convince students of the validity of formulas for the density and distributive functions of the sum of two variables is described. Four computer program listings are included. (MNS)

An exercise simulating the tossing of N dice is described. Calculation of expected gain and extension to a two-person game are each discussed. (MNS)

The problem deals with calculating the probability that two or more students in a given class have the same birthday. A sample of an experiment that can be carried out by hand in a class is first noted. A program written in BASIC and a sample run is then presented. (MP)

Investigates the problem of finding the expected number of questions necessary to identify 1 out of a set of 30 attribute blocks. Solutions include the use of a tree diagram or a computer simulation. Generalizes the problem for increased numbers of attributes. (MDH)

Describes a simulation-oriented computer microworld named CHANCE used to overcome the limitations of physical materials for experiments in teaching and learning introductory probability. Results of a teaching experiment conducted with four middle school and high school students are discussed. (15 references) (LZ)

A self-teaching module on queues, dealing with the use of random numbers in the simulation of realistic queueing or waiting-line situations, is described. Both mathematical content and teaching methods are considered. (MNS)

Various classroom uses of simulation of random phenomena with a table of random digits are described. Examples are given to illustrate the mathematics of simulation. (MP)

Discusses ways to simulate a probability problem of interest to middle school students in which students calculate the average number of packets of trading cards purchased to obtain a complete set of cards. Simulations utilize a spinner, a table of random numbers, and a computer. Includes the BASIC program utilized in the simulation. (MDH)

Activities for calculating experimental and theoretical probabilities are presented. Worksheets designed for duplication for classroom use are provided. Suggestions are given for additional problems that could be generated from the original simulation, and answers to questions on the worksheets are included. The activities simulate parachute…