Organization and Planning Use partial decks of cards and a coin, or spreadsheet software, to generate a random set of latitude and longitude coordinates. Zoomable maps available on the World Wide Web or downloaded maps provide alternatives to the globe for determining if a point hits water or land. Objectives Students reinforce the technique of using a Monte-Carlo method to make discoveries. Students learn about simple, random samples. Students develop a deeper understanding of how to assure samples are representative.
Students learn that randomized, larger, higher-resolution samples yield more accurate results.
Students learn about improving results by using higher-fidelity models. The decks are kept separate from one another during the activity. Replace any drawn cards and reshuffle the decks. Replace any drawn cards and reshuffle. Draw from Lat then from U to get a latitude.