Emily Buhnerkempe (University of Illinois Laboratory High School)
Abstract
This presentation showcases a hands-on approach to teaching probability to high school students through a carnival project, integrating both statistical learning and community outreach. Students in this secondary introduction to statistics class are tasked with designing and creating unique carnival games. The games come to life when putting on a school-wide carnival for their peers. Additionally, students engage their local community by visiting elementary schools to teach through play. By combining theoretical learning with real-world applications, the project provides an interactive and engaging way for students to explore probability, while also fostering community involvement. In this session, I will share the design and implementation of the project, its impact on student learning, and how outreach activities enhance understanding of probability. Participants will experience the activity as though they were students. Sample student work and reflections will be shared. Attendees will leave with access to the project description, outreach structure, and rubric. Objectives: Demonstrate how probability can be taught through hands-on, project-based learning. Showcase how community outreach can enhance student engagement and understanding of statistical concepts. Discuss the integration of probability theory with game design and community interaction. Provide educators with practical ideas for creating interactive, real-world learning experiences that connect classroom lessons with meaningful outreach. This presentation is ideal for educators in secondary education, curriculum developers, and introductory statistics educators interested in applying project-based learning and community engagement to teaching. No prerequisite knowledge is needed beyond a teacher of introductory statistics. Participants will need (at maximum) a laptop.