MAKING MONEY WITH MAJOR MUNCHY:
Explorations in Probability

reviewed in School Library Journal, September 1994

This is an excellent package for math teachers who are looking for extension activities to enrich their students' understanding of mathematics. The topic of probability is covered in the engaging video. The package also includes overhead transparencies, student worksheets, instructions for a computer program which students can program in BASIC computer language, and 15 dice to be used in a simulation activity. It promotes hands-on learning through a variety of activities, and was designed with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum Standards in mind--specifically problem solving, statistics, probability, and connecting math to real life experiences.

The story line of the video follows a multicultural cast of four middle school boys and girls who try to use the concept of probability of figure out how many boxes of Major Munchy cereal they need to buy in order to win a contest sponsored by the cereal's manufacturer. The contest involves collecting a set of letters in specifically marked boxes of cereal to spell the word "Munchy." They realize the smallest number of boxes to buy is six. They discuss the question. "How likely is it that they will get all six letters in the first six boxes they buy?" The video is broken down into four parts, each about six minutes long. The kit is designed to be used as a four to five day unit of study.

Marcia Herman, Manhattan Middle School, KS


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