Game show Math Using Plinko to teach Probability

Game show Math – Using Plinko to teach Probability Session 56: 3: 30 – 4: 20 PM Nirmala Naresh Miami University, Ohio Bridget Mc. Mahan West lake school district, Ohio Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1

Agenda �Introduce: Participants �Research Inspirations / Standards �Plinko lesson - Overview �Plinko – Simulations (Collect Data) �Plinko – Explorations (Tree Diagrams) �Plinko – Connection to Pascal �Reflections Tuesday, November 3, 2020 2

What do the common core standards say? �Collect data on a chance situation; Observe long term frequency. �Develop a probability model and use it to find probabilities of events. �Compare probabilities from a model to observed frequencies; if the agreement is not good, explain possible sources of the discrepancy. �Find probabilities of compound events using organized lists, tables, tree diagrams, and simulation. Tuesday, November 3, 2020 3

The Plinko game from The Price is Right Tuesday, November 3, 2020 4

Plinko: Online simulation Tuesday, November 3, 2020 5

Plinko Pedagogical Experience �Lesson Implementation: Details �Group of sixth & seventh grade students �Lesson Implemented over 2 class periods �Two classroom teachers – One student teacher �Computer lab �Watch Video – Simulate Online – Simulate using Board & Calculator Tuesday, November 3, 2020 6

Plinko Adaptation Larger Board 9 starting slots; 9 ending slots Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Our board: 3 Starting & Ending slots 7

How to build a Plinko board? Materials �Foam board / Cork Board / Cardboard �Push Pins �Plinko Chart �Poker Chips �Markers Tuesday, November 3, 2020 8

Focus Questions 1. What are your chances of winning $5000 on this board? 2. If you were given only 1 chip to play on the small plinko board, which slot would you drop the chip in? Explain why you selected that slot. Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9

Collect data Tuesday, November 3, 2020 10

Focus question 1: What is the probability of winning $5000 on this board? Calculator Simulation: Instructions �Select PRGM �Choose PLINKO �ENTER Twice Tuesday, November 3, 2020 11

How many paths? Some observations Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12

Theoretical Probability P(winning $5000) = 1/3 (1/2 + 1/2) = 1/2 Tuesday, November 3, 2020 13

A comparison Tuesday, November 3, 2020 14

Pascal & Plinko Number of possible paths using patterns of Pascal’s Triangle http: //www. math demos. org/math demos/plinko/the oretical_small. ht ml Tuesday, November 3, 2020 15

Student reflections: What did you learn? Tuesday, November 3, 2020 � Plinko is a probability game � Recognized that there is math in fun games like Plinko � I learned how to play plinko on a calculator � The probability of the data (experimental probability) � Difference between theoretical & experimental Probability � Better chance of winning with B � I also learning that going from B to B’ works the best – I will remember this when I go on the Price is right to play Plinko 16

Our Reflections �Importance of creating lessons that is interesting, yet engages students �Observations were helpful � Duration / student engagement / observe student frustrations & successes �Written work � Assessing student understanding / assessing my own work / how useful were the worksheets �Use student inputs to enhance their classroom plinko experience Tuesday, November 3, 2020 17

Thank you for your time! Let us talk more! �Do share other probability related projects you have used in your classes. �Questions? Tuesday, November 3, 2020 18