1512-Week 3

What are the odds? 
        Have you ever heard the phrase "what are the odds of that happening?" The odds may seem greatly outweighed but it could happen, like the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year (reported deaths + injuries) is 1 in a million. The odds you will be affected by someone that has been struck by lightning are far less. Probability is everywhere in our daily lives. The NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (2000) states that the curriculum for pre-k to 8th grade should include the study of probability so that students can understand and apply the basic concepts of probability.
        In the textbook, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, on page 529 refers to a game on Odds and Fairness. It explains a game called Multiplication Toss. This game is for 2 players, one being “odd” and one “even.” They are give two number cubes (die) to roll for their turn and are to find the product of the numbers rolled. If the product is odd the odd player gets a point if it is even the even person gets a point. Students are to play the game up to 10 rolls and then switch roles. They would then be asked: Is it a fair game? Why/why not? If we look at the odds, we find that "finding the product" is an unfair game as the odds of the product being “odd” is ¼. If you change the game to the sum being “prime” or “not prime, we find the sum being “prime or not” unfair as well, as we find the sum being prime 42% of the time. If you changed the game to finding the "sum of the numbers" rather than the product, we would find the sum of the cubes with the odds of rolling “odd” or “even” is 50/50, a fair game.

Why is studying about the topic of fairness of games an important school topic? 

        It is important to teach fairness of games in school because we don’t want students to feel they are at a disadvantage, but we have to teach them that life is not always fair. We can’t always change the rules in life like in a math game, but we can choose to be fair. Fairness goes along with student’s character development in teaching them right from wrong. Fairness means playing by the rules, taking turns, sharing, and listening. Fair people do not take advantage of others. The topic of fairness promotes better decisions made by students when interacting with others at school.
         Usually children learn about fairness at a young age. Having siblings and when out with friends, if one child gets a treat everyone wants a treat. Parents say you must share your treat to be fair, so everyone gets some. Once they enter school for the first time, they are not used to being with so many children their same age. Sharing becomes a big issue. Who wants to share their snack with 20 other kids!? 
         Teaching fairness greatly connects to teaching being a responsible citizen. We as teachers need to teach students that you shouldn't leave anyone out in certain situations. Along with Math, there are many other ways we can teach fairness. A great resource for teaching fairness is AtoZTeacher Stuff.com: Teaching Fairness. It lists a variety of useful books and lessons/mottos teachers use. Another great publication comes from the West Virginia University Extension Service. It is called Family Times Newsletter and is for adults with children ages 5-8. This particular issue is on developing Fairness. This newsletter is a great resource for those needing help in the teaching of fairness.