M&M Graphing

Technology Lesson Plan
Title: M & M Graphing Grade Level: 3rd-5th
Content Area: Technology, Math


Objectives:
1. Technology Goal 1
Demonstrates understanding of the overall operations and responsible use of appropriate technology. For example, students will demonstrate their knowledge of turning on the computer, turning off, sending a print job, locating and starting programs and ending programs, running programs, using the menu and tool bars, knowing their way around the desktop. Students will also learn to delete and save files, use a spell checker and thesaurus, open a web browser, and use simple appropriate search tools to locate and save information through the network.

2. Technology Goal 2
Identifies and chooses appropriate technology to complete the task. For example, students will be able to identify and select the appropriate software and hardware for the task.

3. Math Goal 10. BE ABLE TO CONSTRUCT AND USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GRAPHS
(a) Gather information from different types of graphs.
(b) Be able to solve problems using different types of graphs.
(c) Be able to understand and use graphing terminology; pie graph, pictograph, line graph, bar graph, & axis.



Technology and Resources Used: (e.g., Software, Hardware, Internet)
1. M&M Activity 1, Statistics, Graphing, and Probability Carson- Dellosa Publ. CD-7418; 2 pound bag of M&Ms, clear container, worksheets pages 20-21

2. Graph paper and colors

3. Word Perfect, Tables, Quattro Pro X3 - Spreadsheet, Internet site Kids Zone (URL below)

URL:
• Kids Zone
• M&M Activity Worksheets


Description:
In this series of lessons, students will predict and collect data, create a bar graph with paper and pencil, design bar graphs with different sorts of software, access and use the Internet, identify parts of a bar graph, compare the various graphs.

1. Introduce the activity. Ask the students to predict and speculate the various colors and amounts in a typical bag of M&Ms.
2. Follow the activity worksheet. Ask the students to estimate the number of M&Ms after poured into a jar, count out 10 as a sample for each student, get into groups and record data, find fractional amounts, discuss probability Use the data from this worksheet for the following steps.
3. Create a bar graph with paper and pencil. Ask students to use their Activity 1 worksheet, colors, and graph paper to create bar graph with correct labels.
4. Design a bar graph with a Word Perfect table. Ask the students to turn on the computer, locate the Word Perfect icon, and create a table, type and shade information, use the correct labels, save and print.
5. Use Quattro Pro X3 Spreadsheet to make bar graph. Ask the students to enter Color label and color names in column A, enter Number label and amounts in column B, click on Create a Chart icon to make graph, use the correct labels, save and print.
6. Access Kids Zone on Internet to make bar graph. Ask the students to choose bar graph, enter data as prompted, preview graph, use the correct labels, save and print.
7. Compare all 4 graphs paper, Word Perfect, Quattro Pro, and Kids Zone.


Extensions:
• Compare results with another classroom and create a double-bar graph.
• Use the Kids Zone website and create other sorts of graphs, discuss which graph is more appropriate, which is easier to read data, etc.
• Use Fruit Loops or Skittles, collect data and compare and contrast to M&M data; make a double bar graph or Venn diagram.
• M&M activity 2 estimate, weigh, and record percentages.


Assessment:
Students can complete all graphs with the correct information and labels, save to the server, and print hard copies. Students can engage in a conversation, evaluating commonalities and differences with the bar graphs.