Investigation: Is it fair?

Let's Play!!!!

Let's play a game. There are 2 red blocks and 3 blue blocks. (Or use any color/number of blocks you want!) We take turns picking blocks. If both of the blocks are the same color, I win. If the blocks are different colors, you win.

 

Question 1

What are all the possible outcomes?

Discussion Question

Do you think this game is fair? Explain.
 

There are two versions of this game.

1. After you pick the first block, you put it back before you choose the second block.
2. After you pick the first block, you DON’T put it back before you choose the second block.

 

Discussion Question

Does this make a difference? Explain.

 

Activity:

Materials

• Paper bag with 2 red blocks and 3 blue blocks
• Recording sheet:

My Wins	Your Wins

Instructions

Play 10 to 50 rounds (Or more!) of the game for each version. Together, calculate the experimental probability.
 

Discussion Questions

Compare the two versions.

1. Is the game fair? If not, who has a better chance of winning?
2. Which version of the game would you prefer to play?

 

Extension

Calculate the theoretical probability and compare the theoretical probability with the experimental probabilities that were calculated.