Probability in Everyday Life

A WebQuest for High School Mathematics (Algebra I)

Designed by

John Surgett
surgett@nmmi.edu

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Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Standards

Introduction

In this activity you will review basic probability using online activities, explore various ways probability is used in everyday life, and explain in your own words an everyday use of probability.

1. How is probability used to explain the basic principles of heredity?
2. How is probability used to determine the likelihood of an unborn child inheriting an unwanted trait or genetic disease? 
   
3. Is it ethical for a couple to attempt to have a child if the probability is high that the child may be born with a genetic disease or other abnormality?  Why or why not?
   

1. Do you believe that gambling would increase or decrease if people understood the mathematics behind probability and their chances of actually winning?  Why or why not?
2. How do casinos use probability to ensure that they always make money?
   
3. If the casinos always make money, how do some people win when gambling at casinos?

1. Is investing in the stock market a gamble?
   
2. Does society consider investing in the stock market the same as gambling at a casino?  Why or why not?
   

1. Is it fair for car insurance companies to assume that some drivers are a "higher risk" and charge them more for insurance based on the probability that they may be involved in an accident?
   
2. For drivers today, who typically pays more for car insurance:  male or female drivers?  Why? 
   
3. Do other insurance companies (home insurance, life insurance, etc.) use probability to calculate their rates? If they don't, should they?
   
4. Should people who smoke have to pay more for health insurance than those who do not smoke?
   
5. What about individuals with a family history of serious diseases?  Or people who have stressful jobs?  Are these good reasons for health insurance companies to charge more for individuals who may be more "at risk" of becoming ill?  Why or why not? 
   

	Beginning 5	Developing 10	Accomplished 15	Exemplary 20	Score
Probability Worksheet - Explanations	Few questions are answered using proper English and complete sentences and most answers are unclear and disorganized	Most questions are not answered using proper English and complete sentences but most answers are clear and organized	Most questions are answered using proper English and complete sentences. Most answers are clear and organized	All questions are answered using proper English and complete sentences. Answers are clear and organized
Probability Worksheet - Calculations	Few calculations shown	Most calculations are shown, but some are unclear or missing steps	Most calculations are shown in a clear and logical format	All calculations are shown in a clear and logical format
Written Explanation of Probability Topic	The paper is not written in student's own words and most of the explanation is unclear and unorganized	The paper is written in student's own words but the explanation is unclear and/or unorgainized	The paper is  written in student's own words and most of the explanation is clear and organized	The paper is written in student's own words and is a clear and organized explanation of the topic

After completing this webquest you should not only have a better understanding of probability, but you should also be more aware of its applications in everyday life.  Hopefully this activity will cause you to reexamine events that you may have thought were simply "luck" or "chance" to see that they actually have a mathematical foundation.