Name:______Period:______

Unit 6:Statistics

Math with Skittles

Grade Level: 6th -7th

Content Area Topic:

Mathematics: estimating, sorting, classifying, number relationships, computation, fractions, decimals, percents, angles, probability, interpreting tables and graphs.

Learning Objective(s):

Students working with Skittles as manipulatives will review and reinforce their math knowledge of angles, geometry, classifying, and determining probability. They will analyze color/flavor data and calculate its probability as a fraction, decimal and percent. In addition, students will calculate the mode, mean, median, and range of the Skittles data; they will record and interpret their data on student created tables and graphs. On the whole, students will experience hands-on learning with collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.

Lesson Activities & Sequence:

The following two Skittles video introduce creating with Skittles.

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•You will be working with Skittles to create and review math symbols and concepts.

•You will be allowed to eat the Skittles after you collect your data.

•Create a 3X7 table using Microsoft Word (see below) to record your Skittles data.

Color/Flavor / Tally / Frequency
Red/Strawberry
Orange/Orange
Yellow/Lemon
Green/Green Apple
Purple/Grape
Total

•Each student will receive a Ziploc bag of Skittles.Please resist eating any Skittles until I give you permission.

• Estimate how many Skittles are in your Ziploc bag and record your estimate on your construction paper.

•Use your Skittles to create a model of the angles 90 degrees and 180 degrees on your construction paper.

•Use your Skittles to create an acute angle and an obtuse angle.

•Now you will begin working on your 3X7 table below

•You will sort, count and record their different color/flavor Skittles data on your data tables and discuss and compare your data with your elbow partner.

•How did your data compare to your partner?

•Were they the same or different? Why or Why not?

• Add the different colors and come up with a total number of Skittles to record in your table.

•Compare your actual total to yourestimate and write your comparison somewhere at the bottom under your table.

•Create a 4x6 table in Microsoft word and label like the example below:

Color/Flavor / Fraction / Decimal / Percentage
Green/Green Apple
Orange/Orange
Purple/Grape
Red/Strawberry
Yellow/Lemon

•Think about the definition of probability. How could you find the probability of certain colors/flavors with your Skittles? Based on this information how could you make predictions about the color/flavor content of other bags. (I mean you don’t really have time to count EVERY bag of Skittles before it leaves the manufacturer).Hint: Think about ratios and proportions.After you have written about this come see me.

•Which color/flavor had the highest probability of being chosen? Which color/flavor had the lowest probability of being chosen?Close your eyes and pull out a skittle. Is it the color you predicted as the highest probability or not? Is it the color you predicted as the lowest probability? Why or why not?

•Circulate and discuss your results.

•Look at the table above. Interpret and explain your results in fraction, decimal, and percentage.

•Circulate and discuss your results.

•Create a 2x5 table with range, mean, mode and median displayed.

Range
Mean
Mode
Median
Mean Absolute Deviation

•Calculate and record their range, mean, mode, and median.

TASK:

Mars Incorporated (the company that manufactures Skittles) has seen a drop in sales. They feel like it might be because there are too many flavors in a packet of skittles that people do not like so they are simply not buying Skittles at all. You have been hired to find out what the most popular flavors are and then write a formal letter in which you make a recommendation as to what you think would be the best distribution of flavors for each bag of skittles. Keep in mind that you are making a recommendation that may be used everywhere Skittles are sold so you should think about the size of the population you should survey. Your recommendation should be supported by the findings from your data. You should also come up with a recommendation other than re-distributing the flavors Skittles already produces. Give a detailed explanation of your plan and why you think it would be a better choice. You must use data to support your recommendation. You will make a video as if you are presenting your ideas to the board of directors of Mars Inc. using your graphs and data.

You will submit your letters and all documentation via dropbox.

Submit your letters with the file name First name, Last name, Skittles project.

You must include all data electronically that supports your recommendation.

You should include box and whisker, frequency table, histogram, dot plot,all measures of variation and all measures of center. This must be professional. Use color, professional wording and data to support your recommendation. Look for web sites that allow you to create these representations electronically.

I will provide a rubric on the blog for you to follow for your letter.

Ideas of web sites that can be used to create your graphical representations:

Geogebra

Meta chart

Excel

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