What are Variables?

Lesson Plan

Class:

Date:

Standard(s):
Students demonstrate an understanding of the notion of discrete random variables
by using them to solve for the probabilities of outcomes, such as the probability of
the occurrence of five heads in 14 coin tosses.

Key Objective(s):
Here you'll learn the definition of discrete random variables and how to make
judgments about whether certain values or sets of values fall into this category.

Learning Activities and Timing:

Exit Criteria:
When students finish this lesson, they should be able to understand and use
random variables and discrete random variables in probability problem solving.

Teaching Strategies and Tips:

In working through the lesson on Variables, there are several learning objectives you
want students to know and be able to demonstrate by the end of the lesson.

1. Understand that discrete random variables are random variables with specific
number of numerical values. Give students a series of examples such as to name
the number of siblings they have, the number of members in the small groups in
math class, the win/loss/tie statistics from the local hockey team. Ask students to
explain how these represent examples of discrete random variables.

2. Understand how to analyze probability values from extremely likely to extremely

unlikely. Students should understand that probability values are from 0 to 1 with 0
representing extremely unlikely and 1 representing extremely likely. Have students
brainstorm different events that could or possible could not occur. Examples include
winning the lottery, attending their next class, etc. Then have students provide a
probability value from 0 to 1.

1
 Common Errors:
Misunderstanding of the definition of discrete random variables as
opposed to random variables. Students sometimes confuse the terms random
variable with discrete random variables. A variable is a person, place or thing. When
it is used in statistics experiments it is a random variable. A random variable is a
measurement taken in a random experiment. An example is choosing a random
sample of 16 year olds across the US to perform a standardized math test. However,
discrete random variables have distinct numbers associated with the event in the
experiment. So if you were to flip two coins ten times, the number of heads that
result is a distinct random variable. Remind students that discrete random
variables are the result of counting the number of people, places, or things in an
experiment.

Differentiated Instruction:
Visual-Spatial: Students who have the visual-spatial learning style will learn when
they are exposed to, for example, visual images and graphic information. Give
students the opportunity to view the video associated with this lesson at their own
pace.
Body-Kinesthetic: Students who are in this group of learners learn more when they
use manipulatives, or interact with materials. Give students coins to toss, or bags of
colored balls to use in experiments, or die to perform experiments to see that these
events can use discrete random variables.

Enrichment:
1. DISCRETE RANDOM VARIABLES AND COINS
Give each group of students three coins.
Have students flip the coins ten times and record the number of tails resulting in
each flip.
Draw a tree diagram showing all of the possible outcomes.

- Discuss whether the ten tosses are in line with the tree diagram.
- What is the probability of tossing three tails?
- Estimate the probability value of tossing three tails. Is it extremely likely or
extremely unlikely?
- What is the probability of tossing one tail when three coins are tossed?
- Estimate the probability value of tossing one tails. Is it extremely likely or
extremely unlikely?
- How does the probability of tossing three tails compare to the probability of
tossing one tail?

2
Design a similar problem using four coins. Prepare the question and answer for
presentation.

Problem Solving:
From the following list of events, choose the events where outcomes represent
discrete random variables. Explain your answers.

1. The heights of the students in your class.

2. The number of goals scored by your schools varsity hockey team.

3. The most popular song played by the students in your class.

4. The number of siblings you have.

5. The number of salads bought by the students in your school at the cafeteria.

6. The most popular colors of IPOD cases.

7. The number of toothpicks in a box.

8. The pulse rate of the basketball team after practice.

Solution:

2: The number of goals scored by your schools varsity hockey team is a discrete
random variable as it represents a specific number.

4: The number of siblings you have is a discrete random variable as it represents a

specific number.

5: The number of salads bought by the students in your school at the cafeteria is a
discrete random variable as it represents a specific number.

7: The number of toothpicks in a box is a discrete random variable as it represents a

specific number.

8: The pulse rate of the basketball team after practice is a discrete random variable
as it represents a specific number.