Results of Rolling a Set of Dice

Abstract

We will, as a class, investigate the results of rolling a set of dice. We would like to learn about the outcome when the pair are rolled and their sum is found. Many students initially predicted that when dice are rolled, each sum from 2-12 is equally likely to be rolled. They assume that since each side of the die has a 1 in 6 chance of being rolled, it would make sense that each sum would have an equal chance at appearing. We will use many tables, charts and graphs to investigate the students’ claim that each sum is equally likely to appear on the dice. After analyzing our charts and graphs students will notice that each sum is not equally likely to appear. It is my hope that after much investigation, students will notice that there is only one way to roll either a 2 or a 12 and many ways to roll a 6-9. While this project is to be done during our probability unit in class, we will use this investigation to sharpen students’ basic skills along with logical reasoning and advance their ability to use evidence to explain their position.