Loaded Dice

In this two-part lesson, students design and 3D print their own loaded dice. In the first lesson, students design a dice rigged to favor a particular number. In the second lesson, students work out the relative frequency of their dice landing on the favored number and evaluate their own success in creating a loaded dice.
Subjects
Design and TechnologyArt and DesignMathematicsComputing
Years | Grades
7th Grade | 11-12 years8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years
Duration
Lesson 1: 60 minutes Print time: ~ 1 hour 50 minutes Lesson 2: 45 minutes

Loaded dice trailer
Play 0:50

Objectives

  • Define probability
  • Determine the probability of an event occurring based on several trials
  • Calculate probability as a fraction, decimal and percentage
  • Design a loaded dice in CAD that will favor one particular side
 

Tools and equipment

  • BE3D eDee printer
  • Set of example 3D printed models
  • Internet-enabled computer and mouse and TinkerCAD®
  • TinkerCAD accounts for students
  • Paper pad and pencil
  • Printed lesson resources
 

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:
  • Understand the principles of probability and chance
  • Use TinkerCAD or similar CAD software at a beginner level
  • Enter the correct 3D print settings in DeeControl layering software
  • Use the BE3D eDee 3D printer

Loaded Dice Walkthrough
Locked 4:18

3D models overview

  • Total print time 13 hours 30 minutes
  • Total filament 22.1 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
Tetrahedron Dice
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 1.45 m
Dice with Sharp Edges
  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 4 m
Basic Numbered Dice
  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 3.8 m
Basic Dice
  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 3.8 m
Loaded Dice
  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 6.7 m
Loaded Dice Cutout
  • 2 hours
  • 2.3 m
Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

  • Lesson plan
  • Worksheet
  • Walkthrough
  • Walkthrough video
  • Presentation
  • 3D models
  • 3D print instructions
  • Curriculum Alignment: ISTE standard compliant