BMS 7th Graders Use MIT Software to Make Predictions

Corrine Crain's 7th graders created models representing real-life events so that they could study them in a controlled environment. In the past, they have used excel, random number generators or spinners but this year BHS honors students created a computer program using the MIT software called Scratch, which is designed to get students interested in coding.

Ms. Crain explained, "The students created simulations to represent probability experiments. They also created a computer programming model to represent the situation using Scratch."

Some examples of the scenarios they needed to represent are listed below:

Each school year, there is a 20% chance that weather causes one or more days of school to be canceled. Design and use a simulation to find the experimental probability that weather will cause the school to close in exactly one of the next three school years.

A baseball team wins 70% of its games. Assuming this trend continues, design and use a simulation to find the experimental probability that the team wins the next three games.

The weather forecast says that there is a 75% chance of rain for Monday, a 75% chance of rain for Tuesday, and a 75% chance of rain for Wednesday. Design and use a simulation to find the probability that it rains at least once in the next three days.