Mathematics of Fair Games

Exactly how fair are the board games children grow up playing? Young mathematicians investigate this questions as they work their way through this five-lesson series on basic probability. 

Students participate in playing many games to determine if they are fair or not. They create their own game that is fair to play with their classmates.

Students determine the fairness of a game. In this math lesson, students roll dice and score points using different parameters. Students create a game and discuss the fairness of their games.

Upper graders explore division through fair-shares. They will review fair shares and fractions as a segway into division. They start by playing "Share Fairly" game and create mathematical arguments for solving problems. Manipulatives and...

In this probability learning exercise, students calculate the probability for spinning given numbers on two spinners. Students create fair and unfair spinner games and analyze the spinner and list all possible outcomes.

In this spinners learning exercise, students complete games with spinners about probability. Students complete 6 short answer questions based on the probability of the outcomes.

Students examine mathematicians' notion of fairness in games of chance. They work in pairs to perform three different experiments using macaroni and paper bags. They record their results on charts and compare their data.

Fifth graders examine the statistics of playing games. Many games of chance and activities in maths text books involve rolling two dice and combining the scores, usually by addition. Students often find the probabilities of such events...

Students use spatial relationship vocabulary to write and illustrate storybooks. In this spatial relationship lesson, students examine the meaning of spatial relationships and learn the associated vocabulary. They listen to story about...

Students explore probability by using games based on probable outcomes of events. They name all of the possible outcomes of an event and express the likelihood of such an event occurring.