Theoretical vs Experimental
By C Gulliksen, C Adams
Objective: Students will be able to write a definition of theoretical and experimental probability.
Materials: Large bag of M and M’s and 1 brown lunch bag per group
Procedure:
- Students should be in groups of 3
- Each group should have one bag and a pile of colored candies.
- The group should count the number of each colored candy and record the data.
- The group should then record the number of times they predict that they will randomly select each color in as a fraction, decimal and percent.
- One member of the group should draw some of the candies from the bag, and the group should record the experiment on the tally sheet.
- The candies should be replaced, and the bagged gently shaken to mix the colors.
- The same procedure should be followed for 20 draws.
- Each group should then record their results on the chart of what actually happened. The results should be written as a fraction, decimal, and percent.
Colors Red Blue Green Yellow Brown Orange Number Predicted Outcomes Fraction Decimal Percent Actual Outcomes Fraction Decimal Percent Tally
Conclusions: Students should answer the questions as a group at the end of the worksheet.
- Compare and contrast your predicted outcomes and your actual outcomes.
- Your predicted outcome is theoretical probability. Write a definition of theoretical probability.
- Your actual outcome is experimental probability. Write a definition of experimental probability.