ERIC Number: EJ1082539
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Nov
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1072-0839
EISSN: N/A
Flipping Out: Calculating Probability with a Coin Game
Degner, Kate
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, v21 n4 p244-245 Nov 2015
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 probability activity builds on students' experience with the common practice of coin flipping. In particular, the activity addresses the grade 7 Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) in probability and statistics (CCSSI 2010). Students calculate the probability of simple and compound events by using an organized list or probability tree. Additionally, the activity provides the opportunity for students to confront potential misconceptions about probability. [Reproducible activity sheets and solutions for Mathematical Explorations are available online at www.nctm.org.]
Descriptors: Mathematics Education, Mathematics Activities, Probability, Educational Games, Computation, Mathematical Concepts, Misconceptions, Common Core State Standards, Statistics, Grade 7, Middle School Students
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive; Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: Grade 7; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A