April 22
Module 7: Data Analysis and Probability
Video Clip 13: Probability Lesson: Rolling a Die
Summary: Probability is defined. Students use a dice-rolling activity to determine
the probability of a certain number coming up. They then discuss the results
and why the outcome was what it was.
Key Concepts: Probability
Question 1: How is probability defined in this video clip? Compare this definition
to that in your textbook.
Question 2: Explain the difference between experimental probability and theoretical
probability. Which is more important in the classroom?
Question 3: How would you explain to these children why they all ended up with
different answers? What concept in probability is being demonstrated?
Video Clip 14: Probability Lesson: Flipping a Coin
Summary: In this clip, students predict and experiment with how many times a
coin will land heads.
Key Concepts: Probability
Question 1: Is it possible for the theoretical probability and the experimental
possibility to be exactly the same? Explain.
Question 2: How would you explain to students why they didn't get 50% heads
and 50% tails?
Question 3: If you flip a coin 9 times and it comes up heads every time, what
is the probability that it will come up tails the 10th time? How would you explain
this concept to these children?
Module 8: Integrating Technology and Math
Learning Objectives:
Video Clip 15: Graphing Calculators
Summary: Students use calculators to solve a math problem. A teacher uses a
graphing calculator with a student to show a concrete representation of an abstract
concept.
Key Concepts: Graphing calculators
Question 1: What does the use of the graphing calculator add to the lesson?
Would the student have been able to come to the same conclusions without it?
Question 2: Summarize and react to this article on graphing calculators: http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-2/graphing.htm
What has the increased use of graphing calculators meant to teachers? What are
four ways they can be used with students? Give examples.
Video Clip 16: Spreadsheets
Summary: Spreadsheets are used for 2 different activities: data collection and
probability. The software can help students collect and organize information,
and make a graphic representation of information.
Key Concepts: Technology, spreadsheets
Question 1: How were spreadsheets used in this video? Could the activities have
been done without the use of spreadsheets? If so, why do you think the teacher
chose to teach the lesson using spreadsheets?
Question 2: Visit the Thinkquest website: http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110054/?tqskip1=1.
Browse the site to get ideas for using spreadsheets in the classroom. Summarize
your findings here.
This site began in March 1998 by Janet Luch. This page was last
updated on
December 28, 2006
.
Email comments and questions to studyplans@yahoo.com.