Pigs in the Classroom?

Abstract

First paragraph: Using games to involve students in learning activities is a tried-and-true educational practice, one that preservice teachers enthusiastically endorse. A recent presentation by Dr. Claire Krukenberg to members of Math Energy, an Eastern Illinois University student organization for students preparing to be elementary, middle level, or special education students, capitalized on this enthusiasm for games by incorporating the “Pass the Pigs” game. One goal was to explore ideas of probability in a fun way that was accessible to people with a range of ability levels. Another goal was to encourage students to consider how subtle changes in game rules affect the probabilities embedded in the activities and consequently, how the changes might affect strategy.