Lesson summary
Students create their own video game concept, complete with a loot box system. They will then calculate the probability of obtaining all unique items to form a complete set, considering the challenges this random system entails and how the gambling system inherent could lead to unexpected losses.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand what a loot box is, and how they can exist outside of computer games
- understand why loot boxes are a form of gambling.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- explain the links between loot boxes and gambling
- calculate the probability of a loot box containing a desired item
- calculate how many loot boxes are needed on average to complete a set of items.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content descriptions:
Mathematics:
Students learn to:
- list all outcomes for compound events both with and without replacement, using lists, tree diagrams, tables or arrays; assign probabilities to outcomes (AC9M9P01)
General capabilities:
Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards:
By the end of Year 9, students students assign probabilities to the outcomes of compound events. They design and conduct experiments or simulations for combined events using digital tools.
Resources required
- Art supplies - coloured pencils and textas
- Calculators - one per student
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Paper - A3 in size
- Whiteboard
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- communication
- creativity
- critical thinking
- digital literacy
- enterprise
- ethical understanding
- social skills
- problem solving
- collaboration
Additional info
Level of teacher scaffolding: High - Students will require strong scaffolding through the explicit instruction on calculating probabilities, but will be able to perform the tasks independently.
This is an original Cool+ lesson.
Related professional learning
How to teach numeracy more effectively
Quick summary: This course will help teachers better understand and apply evidence-based tools to teach the maths curriculum and mathematics skills more effectively. The recommendations, based in part on the Evidence for Learning Guidance Report, highlight key areas actionable by staff responsible for leading improvements in maths teaching in their school, including at a leadership and classroom level.
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