Objective 
5 Conduct a probability experiment, choose an appropriate recording method, and draw conclusions from the results.
Problem
  Is it easier to roll a with a regular six-sided die, or is it easier to roll a collection of 4 beans and have 3 of them land black side up?
Manipulative
  Materials: linking metric cubes, paper, pencil

Question: If a metric cube is rolled like a die, how is it most likely to land: with the nub up, down, or to the side?

  • To test this question, take a single cube and roll it like a die several times.
  • Create a tally chart like the one shown to keep track of your results.
  • Write a sentence to answer the question.
  • Design another experiment to test this question.
Question: If you roll your pencil along the table, is it common for it to stop with the writing (on the side of the pencil) up?
  • To test this question, take your pencil and roll it several times. Create a chart to keep track of your results.
  • Write a sentence to answer the question.

Game
  Materials: one regular 4-sided die, one regular 6-sided die, one regular 8-sided die.

  • This is a game for two or more players.
  • On your turn you may select any one of the three dice and roll it.
  • You must roll a one to start the game, and then you must roll a two, then a three, then a four, ...
  • On a turn you get three chances to roll the number you need. If you are successful, you then get three chances to roll the next number you need. If you are not successful, play passes to your opponent.
  • The first player to roll all of the values one through to 8 is the winner.
Adaptations:
  • Allow players to roll two or more dice of their choice and play all the way to 12.
  • Construct spinner mats to replace the four dice.
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