Math carnival game ideas

The purpose of the project is to create a playable carnival game that can be used to calculate theoretical probabilities of winning prizes. For this project, students may choose three to four group members. Students will design a carnival game and determine the theoretical probability of winning the game using models. Students will also determine the expected profit for the game.

Step 1: Choose carnival game.

Your group needs to choose a carnival game that you can build/create yourself and that involves probability to win prizes. Please note that no two groups will be allowed to build the same carnival game. The following are suggestions for carnival games. You don’t have to use one of these ideas, but your game must be approved by me and must be school-appropriate in all aspects.

Ring Toss – using 2-liter bottles as the targets and a ring made of rope or plastic
Bean Bag Toss – using a target made out of plywood or foam with a hole in it to toss a beanbag through
Can Knockdown – using cans to create a pyramid with a rubber ball being used to knock down the cans
Bucket Toss – created by attaching 3 or 4 small buckets or cans to a board about 6 inches apart and having players try to toss a ball into the buckets in order from the closest to the farthest away
Number Wheel – make a spinner that contains numbered sections or sections that identify prizes
Dice Game – uses dice built by hand and labeled as you want for the purpose of the game
To complete this part of the project, your group must submit a written proposal for your game. Remember that no two groups will be allowed to complete the same carnival game – first come, first serve. Your written proposal should describe your carnival game, the materials it will take to build your carnival game, and a basic summary of the rules of your game that will determine how a player wins a prize from your game. Include a list of specific group member’s responsibilities.

Step 2: Build carnival game and create the rules of play.

Your group needs to actually build/create your carnival game. Your carnival game can take up no more space than 4 square feet. You must provide whatever is necessary to play your game such as a rubber ball, a bean bag, a ring, etc. You will need to create the rules that govern how your game is played and how players will win prizes. You need to write your rules on poster board so they can be displayed with your game.