“In grade 5/6, we have been learning more about probability. Students understand that when you roll a six-sided die, there is a 1 in 6 chance of rolling any given number. But what about when you roll two dice and are calculating the sum of both dice? We played a whole class game of ‘Blocko!’, where students would place 12 cubes on their game board that had numbers 2-12 on there (the possible sums of dice rolls). Each time a sum of two die is called out, they may remove one cube from the board.

In the beginning, students placed their cubes on the boards at random and hadn’t been explained the probabilities yet. Many students said things like “I would have the best chance at winning if I spread out my cubes” or “I feel like the number 4 always comes up so I am going to put a few more on there”.

After a few rounds, I explained to students that there are multiple different combinations that can add up to 6, where as there is only 1 combination that can add up to 2. Students were then given the chance to rearrange their board one last time to have the best chance of winning, and the results were great!

Please see photos to see the before and after shots of what the boards looked like, as well as a tally of all of the sums rolled (you will notice a slight bell curve shape!).”

Mr Matty Warner