Groovy Graphs

Grade Level: One or Two

Subject Integration: Math

ISTE Objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Instruction:

Focus Question: What color is there more of in a package of M&Ms?

1. Give students each a package of M&Ms. They are not to eat them, but count how many of each color they have.

2. Using drawing software such as Kid Pix, have students graph their results based on color. Students will create a bar graph and can draw circles with the circle drawing tool, and put letter Ms on with the keyboard.

3. Print this graph to be placed on display on the classroom bulletin board.

4. In small groups of 3 or 4, get a combined total for each color.

5. Then graph the group’s results on the same software and print.

6. As a class, compare the results from each group with the other groups, and have them on display somewhere in the classroom. See if there is any disparity from graph to graph, if so, discuss why this is.

7. At the end, ENJOY, eating your M&Ms.

Alternative Instruction:

· Rather than using M&Ms teachers can use Skittles or other, non-food items could be used, such as pattern blocks, tangrams, unix cubes, etc…

· Allow students to create a bar graph on MS Excel. Afterwards, allow them to look at the other types of graphs that could be created, and determine which one is the best for their use. (Knowing which color there is more of)