Probability Investigation Project for Real-World Data Analysis

Understanding probability involves more than making predictions. Students need opportunities to test ideas, collect evidence and analyze results to determine whether a claim is supported by data.

This probability investigation project challenges students to investigate the claim: “If you whisper ‘Roll me a six!’ to a die before rolling it, you have a higher chance of getting a six.” Students conduct a structured experiment, record outcomes and compare results from two different trial conditions.

As part of the investigation, students make predictions, collect and organize data using frequency tables, create side-by-side bar graphs and interpret their findings. They then use the evidence gathered to draw conclusions and determine whether the original claim is supported by the data.

The open-ended format encourages critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and meaningful discussions about probability and data.

Probability and Data Activities That Build Statistical Thinking

These probability and data activities can be used in a variety of classroom settings, including:

• Whole-class investigations – Conduct the experiment together and compare results across the class.
• Math centers – Add the investigation to a small-group station focused on probability and data analysis.
• Assessment tasks – Evaluate students’ ability to collect, represent and interpret data.

By combining probability experiments with data analysis, students gain valuable experience working through the full statistical investigation process.

Download This Probability Investigation Project

This probability investigation project is available as a ready-to-download PDF and an editable Google Slides version.

Use the Download button to access your preferred file type. Please note that you will be prompted to make your own copy of the Google Slides resource before editing.

This resource was created by Alyssa Peterson, a teacher from Texas and a TeachStarter collaborator.

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