Powerball, Mega Millions, and probability

Updated! Powerball and Mega Million jackpots are growing all the time.  Having a chance of winning 1.6 BILLION dollars might be a good context that engages your students.

Recently the Mega Millions' jackpot was won in Maine at 1.35 billion dollars.  Last year, someone won 2.04 billion dollars in Powerball.   Students examine compound probability and decide whether playing Powerball or Mega Millions is worth it. Students can also try this Lottery Simulator to check out the ease of winning. This could be a powerful way to show kids the reality of the lottery. Here is a Mega Millions simulator as well. Our activity on Powerball, Mega Millions and probability is below. This week the Mega Millions prize was ONLY 31 million dollars.

For Adventurer members we have an editable word doc and solutions.