Finding and designing tasks that allow for students to make connections among mathematical ideas is important for mathematics educators. One such task, which affords students the opportunity to make connections and engage with significant mathematical ideas through a variety of problem-solving approaches, is described in this article. Three…

Real-world phenomena simulation models, which can be used to engage middle-school students with probability, are described. Links to R instructional material and easy-to-use code are provided to facilitate implementation in the classroom.

Tossing a fair coin 1000 times can have an unexpected result. In the activities presented here, players keep track of the accumulated total for heads and tails after each toss, noting which player is in the lead or whether the players are tied. The winner is the player who was in the lead for the higher number of turns over the course of the game.…

Data analysis plays a prominent role in various facets of modern life: Schools evaluate and revise programs on the basis of test scores; policymakers make decisions on the basis of information gleaned from polling data; supermarkets stock shelves on the basis of data collected at checkout lanes. Data analysis provides teachers with new tools and…

The benefits of using computer simulations in teaching elementary probability topics are discussed. Sample probability problems suitable for simulation are suggested. (DT)

Student written computer programs simulated the play of the 1969 World Series. The probabilities for National League wins were determined under varying circumstances. (RS)

A mathematical model of a soccer-league competition results is set up and investigated using simple randomization techniques. The hypothesis that winning the league championship was purely luck was statistically tested. (JP)

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)

The game of roulette is analyzed. (SD)

This article addresses misconceptions related to what makes an unfair game fair and describes from a personal perspective the process of discovering for oneself when a particular mathematical method works. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.)

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)

This article describes an activity that involves the use of simulation for decision-making. It is useful for demonstrating concepts in probability and statistics. (Contains 4 figures and 2 tables.)

Mathematical modelling activities related to everyday situations (e.g., traffic lights) can be used to develop probability concepts. (SD)

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…

Three probability problems designed to challenge students are presented: Liars and Diamonds, Heads Wins, and Random Walks. Other statistic problems are suggested that could involve computer simulations. (MNS)