Hands On Probability Activities Bring Maths to Life!

Engage your students in hands-on, minds-on learning with hands on probability activities like Cuboctahedron Conundrum, a dynamic, interactive resource that combines geometry, probability and scientific inquiry. This three-part activity has students cut out and assemble a cuboctahedron, make predictions and then test those predictions through repeated trials. By rolling their self-made polyhedra 100 times, students explore the relationship between shape, surface area and probability—all while practising data collection and analysis skills. It’s a perfect blend of maths, critical thinking, and fun!

This hands on probability activity includes:

•  Cuboctahedron Net – A cut-and-fold template students assemble into a 3D shape.
•  Response Worksheet – Guided questions prompt predictions, reasoning and reflections.
•  Recording Sheet – Space for students to track results of 100 rolls and analyse data.
•  Instructions – For easy implementation.

Your students will love this tactile, engaging approach to learning—and you’ll love the meaningful maths discussion it inspires!

How to Prepare and Complete This Simple Probability Activity

Our hands on probability activities only take minutes to download and implement! Here’s how to use ‘Cuboctahedron Conundrum’ in your classroom:

Preparation

1. Download this simple probability activity in the format of your choice. 
2. Give each student a copy of the cuboctahedron net, the response worksheet and the recording sheet. 
3. Ensure students have access to scissors and tape. 
4. Instruct students to cut out the net of the cuboctahedron and assemble it by folding on the dotted lines and taping the tabs down.

Activity Instructions

1. The cuboctahedron has 6 square faces and 8 triangular faces. Ask students: ‘If you rolled this cube 100 times, how many times do you predict you will roll a triangle? A square?’ Students should record their predictions and thoughts on the worksheet. 
2. Students then test their predictions by rolling the cuboctahedron 100 times, recording each time if it lands with a square or a triangle on top. 
3. Once all rolls are complete, students will tally the results of their experiment and answer the provided reflection questions. 
4. Discuss the results with students. How close was their prediction? Why do they think this is? 

Download This Probability Game

This probability game is available as both a PDF and editable Google Slides file. To grab your copy, click the download button and choose the format that works for you.

This resource was created by April Tierney, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Experimental Probability Activities

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