MA120 – Extra Credit – Let’s Make A Deal

ABSTRACT

This activity, which is set in the context of introducing students to an interesting problem and learning about probable outcomes.  How many times have you played a game and hoped to win?  What is the probability of winning?  At the conclusion of this project, the student will be able to explain why some choices are better than others.  

        

BACKGROUND            

 

 

Dr. Kathleen Green, Senior Professor Mathematics

 

 

Kathleen Green, PhD

Senior Professor, Mathmatics

Kathleen.Green@park.edu

PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY

MA120 - Basic Concepts of Statistics: A development of certain basic concepts in probability and statistics that is pertinent to most disciplines. Topics include: probability models, parameters, statistics and sampling procedures, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.  The study of mathematics prepares students for graduate studies in mathematics, work in related sciences, beginning actuarial work, economics, business, and teaching at the secondary level.

Mission

Upon graduation, MA120 students should be able to:

  • Compute descriptive statistics for raw data as well as grouped data.
  • Determine appropriate features of a frequency distribution.
  • Apply Chebyshev's Theorem.
  • Distinguish between and provide relevant descriptions of a sample and a population.
  • Apply the rules of combinatorics.
  • Differentiate between classical and frequency approaches to probability.
  • Apply set-theoretic ideas to events.
  • Apply basic rules of probability.
  • Apply the concepts of specific discrete random variables and probability distributions.
  • Compute probabilities of a normal distribution.
  • Compute confidence intervals of means and percentages.
  • Perform hypothesis tests involving one population.
  • Compute regression and correlation of Bi-variate data.

Make predictions of outcomes of experiments based upon theoretical probabilities and explain actual outcomes.

Represent and interpret the possible outcomes for a mathematical situation and calculate probabilities.  As a result of this activity the student will:

  • Conduct an experiment
  • Determine if a game is “fair”
  • Collect data (table)
  • Interpret data (range, mode, median, mean)
  • Display the data
  • Conduct analysis of the game
  • State and apply the rule (definition) for probability

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

ASSIGNMENT, ACTIVITY, COURSE INNOVATION

I give 5 points for each of the eight (8) questions completed correctly.  I will give and additional 10 points for graphs, tables, and etc. that are applicable.

 

*See Attached Probability Evaluation Rubric

This activity could be integrated into most any level. Here we are performing some simple data analyses, complete simulations online, incorporating measurements, graphing, computations, and presentation of results.  I will also use the aspect of diversity – selecting students to work together.

*See AttachedPowerPoint

REFLECTION

KEY ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL ONLINE INSTRUCTION THAT I FIND BENIFICAL ARE:

  • Develop a time-management strategy. 
  • Make the most of online discussions and assignments.
  • Use it or lose it.  I put the knowledge the students are learning online to work through interaction with students.
  • Make questions useful to the student’s learning. 
  • Use tools such as threaded discussions, email connectivity, and chats.
  • Stay Motivated.
  • Communicate the instruction techniques that work.
  • Make connections with fellow students on a regular basis during the course.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:

MA120 Power Point

MA120 Probability Evaluation Rubric

 

Materials cannot be copied or reproduced without written permission from the author.