Day 3 Mathematics

Probability, Percentages, and the Bermuda Triangle

http://edweb.sdsu.edu/triton/JGarciaResearch/LessonTemplate1.html

by

Jackie Bonventre
Russ Nielsen

Objective

Applying concepts of probability and percentages to word problems relating to the history of the Bermuda Triangle.

Anticipatory Set


Ask students, "If you were travelling through the infamous Bermuda Triangle, what would be your chances of making it through safely?"Search the Net for statistics of the sunken ships in the Bermuda Triangle.

Resources

Internet access with overhead link capability. Prepared overhead of several Bermuda Triagle related questions dealing with probability and percentages. Construction paper and marking pen for each group.

Guided Practice

  1. Split into triangular teams again giving each team a piece of construction paper and a marking pen.
  2. Explain to the students that they will be given $500 in their bank account to begin the game. They may only wager as much as half of the amount they have in their bank account.
  3. The students must assign the roles of banker and recorder.
  4. Tell the students to write down their groups wager at the top of the construction paper.
  5. Tell the students, "Don't let your money go down the drain!"
  6. Show your first question, allow the students one minute to write down their answer on the construction paper.
  7. When time is called, the students must hold up their paper and visually check for correct answers. Groups with correct answers will add the amount of their wager to their account and incorrect answers will withdraw the amount from their account.

Evaluation

At the end of today's lesson the team with the most money will be allowed to trade their dollars in for a free homework day pass.
  • Last updated May 7, 1997.

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