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Sticks and Stones

This is a lesson that encompasses many aspects of probability. Theoretical probability will be calcuated from a tree diagram. Students will then play the Native American game "Sticks and Stones" and graph the outcomes. The whole class will compile results and compute experimental probability and compare it to the theoretical probability. Students love to play this game, but that is only a minor part of this all-encompassing probability lesson plan. It is a fantastic end-of-unit plan, and could be easily modified to accomodate different learning levels.

Weblink address (URL): 
Sticks and Stones

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Learning Objectives:

Students will:

  • Collect and display data regarding the moves in a game of Sticks and Stones.
  • Use probability to estimate the average number of turns needed to win a game.
  • Modify the rules to create a different game.
Essential and guiding questions: 

Questions for Students:

  • What are the possible outcomes when three sticks are thrown?
  • What is the likelihood of each outcome?
  • On average, how many turns will be necessary to complete a game?

 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

  • Instead of using four groups of 10 stones as the game board, use six groups of 7 or three groups of 12. These other arrangements allow for exploration of modular arithmetic with other bases.
  • Use a hundreds boards instead of a circle of stones for extended practice with the place-value system.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Stones, chips, or other markers (to create a circular game board)
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Feathers, arrowheads, or other place markers

References

Contributors: 
Ashley King
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation