What are the chances?

Program and use a Micro:bit 'Coin Flipper' to illustrate probability.

Author: Jeff Kitterman
Subjects: Computer Science, Mathematics
Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8
CS Domains: Data Analysis, Algorithms and Programming
CS Principles: Collaborating Around Computing, Creating Computational Artifacts
Standards: Common Core NS
Materials: Micro:bit
Tags: Data Collection, micro:bit

OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Program and use a Micro:bit ‘Coin Flipper’ to illustrate probability.

Meta description

  • Subject Area: Computer Science, Mathematics
  • Grade Level : 3-5, 6-8
  • Computer Science Domains:
    • Data Analysis, Algorithms and Programming
  • Computer Science Principles:
    • Collaborating Around Computing, Creating Computational Artifacts
  • Materials:
    • Micro:bit
  • Considerations: +

Lesson Plan

Overview

Program and use a Micro:bit ‘Coin Flipper’ to illustrate probability.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

Can you program a Micro:bit to show heads or tales? Describe the probability for landing on each.

OBJECTIVES

Program the Micro:bit to generate a random image from a set of two.(eg heads or tails).

CATCH/HOOK

The first coins were found in Turkey.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Hook Question: Flip a coin and ask what the chances are for landing on heads.
  2. Describe the project.
  3. Code the flip generator.
  4. Test
  5. Run and record results.
  6. Analyze data to see probability at work.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

We have coded a random ‘flipper’ and recorded the results. What result did you expect? Were there any surprises when comparing that to what actually happened?

STANDARDS

TypeListing
CS DomainsData Analysis, Algorithms and Programming
CS PrinciplesCollaborating Around Computing, Creating Computational Artifacts
Other Content StandardsCommon Core NS