Although I still generally use standard problem sets in my theory classes, I find myself experimenting more and more with alternatives, including more open-ended assignments. One big motivation for this change is to put some science back in my computer science class, by making assignments more like laboratory exercises in chemistry and biology: students have to experiment to find an answer. One of the great things about studying randomness is that the results sometimes lend themselves quite naturally to experimental assignments, as is the case for the assignment I describe here. Before going on, I will present the assignment.
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