1. Native American-based Materials in Mathematics: Probability and Visions of Chance (Monshimout) Author: Dr. Charles P. Funkhouser NSF Funded Project Award # DUE-1122823

2. Goals of the lesson 1.Present the fundamentals of a Plains Indian game of chance, the “Plum Stone Game” (Monshimout). 2. Describe the basic mathematical probability demonstrated in a Native American game of chance. 3. Appreciate the need for alternative means of problem selection and representation in Native American cultures. 4. Suggest the relationship among gaming, mathematics and Native American culture. 5. Investigate other cultures’ games of chance and their development of such systems.

3. Session-related Stories ”The story is as important as the content.” Stories are oral or written ways of relating a particular idea or concept to the real world or everyday life, to a broader context than just the abstract content.

4. Participant Materials & Equipment Diagram, “Plum Stone Game” Plum Stone dice set Basket or bowl (Digital) Camera or videocam\VCR “Geometer’s Sketchpad” and “Power Point” on PC or Mac CD burner and appropriate software

5. Session Overview Teacher exposition on probability Investigation of Plains Indian gaming and related culture History and procedures for Plum Stone Game presented Students practice Plum Stone game then discuss related mathematical content Problems assigned both from textbook and from an Activity Sheet and Worksheet

6. … and finally. 1. Investigate other systems of gaming and assessing probability (e.g., African, Asian) 2. Do library or interview research on Native American culture as related to games of chance and probability in general. 3. Prepare a set of camera or “Power Point” images of Native American gaming and its application in a real- world (tribal) setting and record on some medium.

7. Wrap-Up Further discussion and ideas on gaming, probability and American Indian culture