Teachers often use number talks at the beginning of class to hear the ways that students understand mathematical topics so that they can base future instruction on student thinking. Students who engage in number talks become accustomed to thinking about mathematics in multiple ways, sharing their thoughts and critiquing the thoughts of others. The…

In the author's experience with this activity, students struggle with the idea of representativeness in probability. Therefore, this student misconception is part of the classroom discussion about the activities in this lesson. Representativeness is related to the (incorrect) idea that outcomes that seem more random are more likely to happen. This…

Modeling using mathematics and making inferences about mathematical situations are becoming more prevalent in most fields of study. Descriptive statistics cannot be used to generalize about a population or make predictions of what can occur. Instead, inference must be used. Simulation and sampling are essential in building a foundation for…

The game of Plinko offers students an exciting real-world example of the applications of probability and data analysis. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI 2010) and the Guidelines for Assessment in Statistics Education (GAISE) (Franklin et al. 2007) suggest that students in grades 6-8 be given ample opportunities to engage in…

The television show Deal or No Deal and an Excel spreadsheet help students see how understanding probability and mean--and the concept of expected value (EV)--can lead to game show wins.

The article documents student experiences with quilt blocks in a mathematics classroom. Using blocks as tools, students construct their understanding of perimeter, area, probability, and transformations. (Contains 9 figures.)

It is important to use rich problem-solving tasks to develop students' understanding of important mathematical ideas (NCTM 2000). Rich tasks are complex, nonalgorithmic, and nonroutine, requiring reasoning, problem solving, and communication of thinking. Evidence has shown that using rich tasks in student-centered classrooms is especially…

Statistics is the art and science of gathering, analyzing, and making conclusions from data. However, many people do not fully understand how to interpret statistical results and conclusions. Placing students in a collaborative environment involving project-based learning may enable them to overcome misconceptions of probability and enhance the…

This article introduces prediction as a useful tool to promote mathematical reasoning. First, the article addresses prediction expectations in state standards and gives examples. It also provides a classroom example and activities to illustrate what prediction can look like and how it can serve as a building block for the development of students'…

This article introduces and explains probability games from diverse cultures. Activities are described and teacher-ready materials are included. (Contains 7 figures.)

Describes probability games and tasks to help students educate their primitive intuitions connected with the concept of "fairness" in the outcomes of compound events. (YDS)

Describes a series of lessons designed to supplement textbook instruction of probability by addressing the ideas of "equally likely,""not equally likely," and "fairness," as well as to introduce the difference between theoretical and experimental probability. Presents four lessons using The Wind Racer games to study probability. (ASK)

This article describes TI-73 calculator activities appropriate for middle school students. It was found that the use of the calculator allowed for higher-level thinking and a richer exploration of mathematical ideas by students. [Included with this article are "Dice Roll Worksheet" and "Transforming Tree Worksheet".] (Contains 9 figures.)

Presents an activity on probability and area in which students try to decide which door to buy. (ASK)

This article discusses the importance of measurement in providing a foundation for mathematical study and how measurement can be integrated with other mathematical strands. (Contains 1 table.)