Rock, Paper, Scissors Probability!
Rock, paper, scissors shoot!Copyright 2010 Warren Cullar & Kevin Box c/o City of Gillette, WY http://www.ci.gillette.wy.us/index.aspx?page=857
Students learn about probability through a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® based activity that simulates a game of "rock-paper-scissors." The LEGO robot mimics the outcome of random game scenarios in order to help students gain a better understanding of events that follow real-life random phenomenon, such as bridge failures, weather forecasts and automobile accidents. Students learn to connect keywords such as certainty, probable, unlikely and impossibility to real-world engineering applications.
Engineers employ probability in various real-world applications. The concept of probability is used by risk engineers on a regular basis when creating bids (or, formal cost estimates) for projects. Engineers usually bid on a project, such as stadium renovation, building an office building or retail complex, or building a new bridge or highway, on the assumption that their firm has an equal chance of winning the bid. Structural engineers employ probability by assessing the likelihood of a structure, such as a building, bridge, highway or tunnel, to undergo failure. Knowledge of probability is a necessary skill to be an effective engineer and practice engineering because it allows for the creation of failure-resistant structures that better develop our physical surroundings and, ultimately, improve the lives of people in our society.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define probability.
- List examples of how probability is used in real-world engineering applications.
- Identify and explain possible outcomes and probability associated with each outcome.