The concept of probability, or chance, plays an important role in risk assessment. In this activity, students will conduct a series of experiments, such as tossing coins, to develop an understanding of probability. They will then apply their knowledge of probability to a scenario about the potential risk of using cellular phones.

Exploring Environmental Issues #3; Pages: 33; Preparation: 30 minutes; Duration: one 50 minute session for part A, 30 minutes for part B; Subject: Environmental Science, Health, Math (Statistics and Graphing), Physics

Learn how to calculate simple probabilities, develop definitions for discrete random variable, continuous random variable, binomial distribution, and normal distribution, learn to use graphs to visually represent binomial and normal distributions, and develop an understanding of the relationship among probability calculations, uncertainty, and estimation of risk.