Rock, Paper, Scissors!

What is this? This is the game, Rock, Paper, Scissors, but with a twist. Instead of playing against just one person, you're playing against the entire class. Each student will choose between rock, paper, and scissors. You will then display the results of the class. Any students that beat the most popular choice win. For example, let's say that most of the students in your class pick paper. Any students who picked scissors would get a point. (You know, because scissors beats paper.) After ten rounds, who ever has the most points wins. Note: if two options tie for the most popular choice, the group that picked the least popular choice wins. Why do this? Students can make predictions about the best move to make on each turn based on the results of each round. Discussions can be had on theoretical vs. experimental probability. What do people usually pick on the first round? What strategies can you use? The teacher should control the pacing of the screens and restrict to one screen at a time so that students can not go back and change their answers. Directions are on the first screen and should be explained to the class.

By Nathan Kraft