Activity Overview
Students use small bags of M&M's® to make predictions, gather data, and display color distribution results in a circle graph. They explore the concept of ratios and sample size.
Before the Activity
- See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
- Print pages 53 - 60 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
- Arrange the M&M's® in each bag in a circle on paper, with the like colors together, and the sides touching
- Draw lines from the center to the points where the color changes and create a circle graph
- Label sections with the color, determine the ratio of a colored M&M to the total M&M's, and express it as a percentage
- Make a category list in the calculator, enter the colors, and the number of each color
- Use the data to set up a circle graph
- Compare the circle graph with the M&M circle
- Repeat the activity for different packets of M&M's, and compare the graphs with the initial ones
- Add data obtained by four students and enter it as a new list and create a new graph
- Combine the whole class data and create a new circle graph
- Compare the graphs to the actual color distribution graph
- Understand the idea of small quantity of data (individual) versus large quantity of data (class)
After the Activity
Students complete the Student Activity sheet.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary