Simulated Experimental Dice-Roll Data
Simulated Experimental Dice-Roll Data
submitted by: Jeff LeMieux, June 2003

This narrative describes how I use my javascript tool, cataloged in the Math Tools digital library, in the classroom.

Course: Math 7
Topic: Probability, Experimental Probability
Resource type: JavaScript

Resource location:
http://www2.whidbey.net/ohmsmath/webwork/javascript/diceroll.htm

Math Forum catalogue entry:
http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool.html?rc=tool&new_id=788

Story:  Rolling a die enlivens the investigation of probability. There are now six possible outcomes. This script is a follow-up to the coin toss scripts. Students need to experiment with rolling a die and recording the results. Each student or student pair can then add their data to a class pool and build on the data for their experimental probability. Like the coin toss, student slike to see the results of large numbers of events. The spectacle of 100 dice on the screen - and the resulting data generates interest in a situation which would become extremely boring if it had to be done by hand.

Where and how I used this: This script comes into play after the coin toss has been introduced and explored. The single die expands the number of outcomes. Students need to do their own rolls and record keeping and accumulate class data. They can then compare their data with the script and use the script to simulate additional data tro verify the expected probabilities.

Send comments to Jeff LeMieux at tackweed@whidbey.net