The Engineering Place (K-20 Outreach)

M&M Probability (3rd-5th)

Lesson plan developed by Elizabeth Goodson

Objective: To use the scientific method in determining the probability of having a certain color of M&M'S® in a bag of M&M'S®.

Overview:

• Scientific Method
• Probability

Materials:

• 2 1-lb bags of M&M'S®
• several bowls

Getting Ready: Divide the children in to groups of 3-5 students and distribute the materials.

Activity (Explore): Ask students:

1. What is probability?
2. How is probability used?
3. What are some examples?
4. • Coins
   • Dice
   • Cards

Procedure: Apply scientific method to the process of determining the probability.

1. Observe and ask questions:

• We want to determine how many ** colors of M&M'S® are in the bag?
• How big is the bag?
• How many colors are there?

2. Make a hypothesis:

• There are X color M&M'S®.

3. Plan your test/experiment:

• Count the M&M'S® of each color.

4. Conduct your test:

• Count each color of M&M'S® and record results .

5. Draw conclusions and share results:

• Did we have the same # of M&M'S® as our hypothesis?
• Will we have similar results with another bag?
• What would happen if we had a different size bag?

6. Investigate further:

• Try a second bag

Questions:

Q: What are the steps to the Scientific Method?

A:

1. The Problem — Ask questions and gather facts.
2. The Hypothesis — Make a reasonable guess to the problem.
3. The Experiment — Plan (this includes a material list) and conduct the test.
4. Draw Conclusions — Gather data and compare to the hypothesis.
5. Investigate Further — Determine if data can be replicated or if others found similar results.

Closure: Discuss the uses of probability in other aspects of our lives. Explain that scientific method can be used for any kind of problem.

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