Topic: Graphing using M&Ms

Grade level: 4-6

Strategy: Portfolios

Objectives Being Assessed and/or Purposes for the Assessment:
Probability and graphing

Materials Required:
Small bags of M&Ms (one bag for every two students)
Graph paper
Pencil
Crayons

Description of the Activity:
The teacher will introduce the lesson to the class by opening a small bag of M&Ms and asking the class to classify them by color. How many of each color? Will each bag be the same? Tell them to make a line graph showing their prediction. Then give each pair a bag and have them classify them by color. Now use a different color and show on the line graph what was really in the bag.

Next they will make a bar graph showing the same information.

Scoring Rubric:
Each student will put the graphs in their portfolio. They will include an explantion to how their prediction compared to the actual findings.

3 - Shows complete understanding of graphing

2 - Shows some understanding of graphing

1 - Attempted to graph information

0 - Made no attempt to do work

Extension:
The students can make a bar graph showing the favorite color of M&Ms. This could be done as a class or as an individual project.

Extension II:
After the work has been finished, give each pair a clear plastic cup. Have them put a small amount of water in the cup. Have them predict what will happen to the candy while it is in the water. Have them try it. (Teacher note: The M will float off the candy.) They may eat the rest of the M&Ms.



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