Title of Project: Snack Statistics Subject(s) : Math Grade Level(s) : 6 - 12th Abstract

Download as doc, pdf, or txt
Download as doc, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 3

Engaged Learning Project Idea Template

Title of Project: Snack Statistics


Subject(s): Math
Grade Level(s): 6th – 12th
Abstract:

 Ever read the nutrition facts on your favorite snack? My favorite snack, peanut M&Ms, says that
there is a specific serving size and number of pieces that come in each package. However, I have
noticed that each package does not contain the same amount. In this activity students will
assume the role of quality assurance for their favorite snack. Students will learn about terms for
statistics like mean, median, mode. Students will then create a presentation of their findings for
the class.
 Students would need 3-5 containers of their favorite snack.
 3 – 45 minute class times to make the project itself 1- 45 minute class time to compare projects
with others
 After presentations are made students will share online and compare and contrast with others

Learner Description/Context:

 Learning Environment
My school system has 1 to 1 technology for students. Each student will have their own
computer to complete their project on. However this assignment can be adjusted into groups if
computers are not readily available. Teachers can also pre buy packages of snacks for different
groups and have multiple roles for example: time keeper, counter, data collector, presenter, etc.
High schools students love this project because they get to eat their favorite food in the
classroom and share with their friends.

 Learner context
Be mindful of student allergies for the lesson some examples that work well with students
that I have found in the past would be Skittles, M & M’s, Starburst, and Stacks chips.

 Cultural Influence
Based on schooldigger.com my school is 46.3% white, 37.9% African American, and
6.2% Asian. The student teacher ratio is 17.4 students to 1 teacher, but most classrooms have 25
to 30 students. 22.3% of the student body is free or reduced lunch.

Time Frame:

The time frame that is needed for this project is 3- 45 minute class periods. The 1st class period would be
for counting and collecting data and explaining what is needed for the project. The 2nd class period
would be for the students work time to complete a presentation giving as many statistics about their
snack that they can. The 3rd and 4th class period is used to share their projects and compare and contrast
the stats on their snacks.

Standards Assessed:
Algebra 1

MGSE9-12.S.ID.1 Represent data with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and
box plots).

Barry Parker Kennesaw State University


Engaged Learning Project Idea Template
MGSE9-12.S.ID.2 Use statistics appropriate to the shape of the data distribution to compare
center (median,
mean) and spread (interquartile range, mean absolute deviation, standard deviation) of two or
more different
data sets.

MGSE9-12.S.ID.3 Interpret differences in shape, center, and spread in the context of the data
sets, accounting
for possible effects of extreme data points (outliers).

ISTE1 Empowered Learner: Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing,
achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning
sciences.

ISTE4 Innovative Designer: Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to
identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.

Learner Objectives:

 I can create dot plots, histograms and boxplots to represent data


 I can define and analyze mean, median, and mode
 I can analyze and describe real word data

The “hook” or Introduction:

The learning experience will need to be introduced a few days early so that students have time to bring
in their favorite snack.(or if you are using groups you will already have them) Based on my previous
experiences student are happy to have a hand on learning experience and be able to eat in the classroom.

Process:

Day 1 would be for counting and collecting data and explaining what is needed for the project.
The teacher can type up questions to ponder for the student report that deal with statistics. For example:
How many pieces are in your snack?, How do you count the pieces?, Is there a certain color that stands
out in your snack?, etc. All of the data should be collected and put into a google sheet that is shared for
the entire class. The goal for this day is to make sure students understand how to collect data.

Day 2 would be for the students work time to complete a presentation giving as many statistics
about their snack that they can. This presentation will include why they think their snack is the best
option using statistics.

Days 3 and 4 is used to share their projects and compare and contrast the stats on their snacks.
Once all of the students have had a chance to share their information teacher now start helping student
analyze the entire class data or school data if there are multiple classes. This is where most of our
objectives will be hit. On the 3rd and 4th day the teacher will show the class with desmos how to create a
dot plot, box plot and histogram. Then students will use the data from the project to create those charts.
On day 4 students can have discussion to compare and contrast their class data to the entire schools data.

Barry Parker Kennesaw State University


Engaged Learning Project Idea Template
Product:

 Students will produce an end-product of a presentation that can be shared with others inside and
outside the classroom. Students will also use other student’s projects to create dot plots,
histograms, and box plots for 4 to 5 projects that were given in the class to help gain 15 or more
pieces of data.
 This project is made to be open ended for students and can be modified in many different ways
to meet the needs of your learner/age group for example:
o Lower grades levels may just focus on vocabulary terms that you see in the project
o Higher grades can use volume and predict how many would come in bigger packages
o On level students could also extend their learning by creating their own candy type

Technology Use:

Having student computers or ipads where students can collect data and create their presentations
would be best. However multiple options can be used for this project. For example teachers may use a
computer lab on Day 2 after students have gathered all their information on Day 1 and have students
send their projects to the teacher then Day 3 if they only have the teachers’ computer and projector they
can still present their projects. Day 4 calculation can also be done on graph paper by hand. I am also
putting a list below in the references and supporting material of sites that can be helpful for
presentations or calculations.

References and Supporting Material:

Some sites that maybe helpful are listed below:

- Prezi.com
- Google slides
- Google sheets
- Google meet
- Power Point
- Excell
- Desmos.com/scientific
- Desmos.com/calculator

Barry Parker Kennesaw State University

You might also like