When I first started teaching, the only way I knew to review probability with my students was to give them multiple-choice questions like they would likely see on the state test at the end of the year. These questions usually revolved around weather events or selling school raffle tickets. My students were not enthused. 

I decided to switch things up and have my students experience experimental probability and theoretical probability for themselves by having them participate in various probability games. These games are suitable for the middle school or high school classroom. I have even received emails from college math professors using these games with their students. 

Every student will enjoy embracing the excitement of chance and challenge as they explore the important concepts of theoretical and experimental probability. My goal is to share games that are easy to play, simple to explain, and use supplies that teachers already have in their classroom such as linking cubes, a deck of cards, or dice.

This Blocko Probability game is a fun way to introduce the difference between experimental and theoretical probability to students.

I play the game with linking cubes with my students, but you could actually use any collection of small items.

Probability Bingo is not your typical bingo game! It is designed to help students build an understanding of probability by thinking through all of the possible combinations of colors that can be rolled. 

Students fill their bingo boards based on the color combinations they think will appear the most. The winner is the person who fills out their entire bingo board first.

I have been playing this greedy pig dice game with my students to practice probability since I learned it while student teaching!

All you need for this game is a set of dice!

Students will enjoy calculating probabilities while playing through a game of Deal or No Deal! So many different probability concepts can be discussed while you work through a simulation of the popular tv game show.

There are many other game shows that you could pull ideas from for other probability-based lessons. 

There is so much probability to explore with the Left Center Right Dice game. I love playing a few rounds of Left Center Right to kick off my probability units!