Time Allotment:  50-60 minutes

Subjects:  math and technology

Grade Level:  2-4

Standards:  VA SOL Math 2.23, 3.21, 3,22, 4.19, 4.20, , Nets*S 1, 3, 5

How can this resource be used? 

• Research tool for students
• Part of an existing lesson   
• Assessment Activity
• Central focus of lesson     
• Enrichment Activity  
   

  Equipment, Considerations, and Teacher Prep

  • Internet Access          
  • Computer Lab
  • Smart board or pad
  • Single computer and projector                  
  • Other (describe):  Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, skittles (one snack bag per student.)
     

   

  Objective

  Students will be able to create a graph using Microsoft Excel or similar program.  They will use Microsoft Word to write an explaining paragraph based on collected data.

   

  Description of lesson

  1. What’s your favorite color or flavor in a packet of Skittles? Why is there sometimes more of our least favorite color or flavor in a packet of Skittles, than the ones we love the most? Discuss and hypothesize with students. Explain to students that they are going to test this theory.

  2. Students are each given a small packet of Skittles or similar candies and are asked to estimate and record how many of each color is likely to be in the packet. The packet is then opened, colors are classified and the actual results are recorded in an excel spreadsheet. See instructions on how to record date in an excel spreadsheet.

  3. Now that the data has been recorded, use the Excel Chart Wizard to illustrate this information as a graph. Demonstrate using the LCD projector or the SmartBoard and have students follow along.

  4. Write an explanation of the activity in Microsoft Word organizing and summarizing the results and implications of the research. Things to consider include:

  • Are all colors equally distributed?
  • Does one particular color dominate all packets?
  • How popular is the most dominant color Skittle amongst peers?
  • How close was the original hypothesis to the actual average?

  5. Now compare your results with that of other class members. Were the results similar? Discuss why they were or were not. Enjoy eating your skittles.

   

  Assessment Strategies:  The printed graph will be the assessment

   

  Resources: