Lesson 7
Simulating Multi-step Experiments
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students see that compound events can be simulated by using multiple chance experiments. In this case, it is important to communicate precisely what represents one outcome of the simulation (MP6). For example, if we want to know the probability that a family with three children will have at least one girl, we can toss one coin to represent each child and use each set of three coin tosses to represent one family. Therefore, if we toss a coin 30 times, we will have run this simulation only 10 times.
Students continue to consider how a real-world situation can be represented using simulation (MP4).
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Coordinate (orally) a real-world situation and a chance event that could be used to simulate that situation.
- Perform a multi-step simulation, and use the results to estimate the probability of a compound event in a real-world situation (using words and other representations).
Student Facing
Let’s simulate more complicated events.
Required Materials
Required Preparation
Print and cut up spinners from the Alpine Zoom blackline master. One spinner for each group of 3 students.
For the Kiran’s Game activity, a paper bag containing 4 snap cubes (2 black and 2 white) is needed for every 3 students.
Other simulation tools (number cubes, bags with colored snap cubes, etc.) should be available.
Learning Targets
Student Facing
- I can use a simulation to estimate the probability of a multi-step event.
CCSS Standards
Addressing
Print Formatted Materials
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| Student Task Statements | docx | |
| Cumulative Practice Problem Set | docx | |
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| Teacher Presentation Materials | docx | |
| Blackline Masters | zip |