Sometimes we can figure out the probability of an event by looking at the choices in the sample space, for example, flipping a coin or rolling a six sided die.  Other times, we can't calculate the probabiliyt of something happening, like the percentage of making a free throw in basketball, or the probability of rolling a 6 on a weighted die.  At times like these, we can only estimate the probability be doing repeated experiments.  Today, you will do an activity that helps explore the differences between experimental and theoretical probability.

Resources

• Interactive Coin Toss:  http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/Coin/
• Interactive Spinner: http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/AdjustableSpinner/

Assignment:

• Probability Simulation Worksheet

Things you should know after today:

• The difference between experimental and theoretical probability
• Why a probability simulation might be used