Algebra One students in Maryland are expected to conduct and analyze simulations. In this activity the students will conduct a simulation to predict the probability that two people in a room of thirty will have the same birthday.
Before the Activity
Load the tns file Birthday Simulation on the students' handhelds.
Copy the student worksheet, one per student.
Make sure you can find the access the random integer command from the menu of a calculator page.
During the Activity
Ensure that all the students can locate the random integer command.
After the Activity
Discuss individual student's results and compare to the theoretical probablity.
Collect the results from the whole class and recalculate the probability. Did this improve the results?