Ashley Galloway
MAE 4326
September 21, 2011
Lesson Plan
Grade Level:

4 th and 5 th
Topic:

Graphing, probability, estimating and classifying
Source:

www.theteachersguide.com
Description:
 Students will use hands on learning with M&M’s by classifying colors into groups and recording data using bar and pie graphs. Students will also predict ratios and will determine probability during random drawing of colors out of a larger bag of
M&Ms
Sunshine State Standards:

MA.4.A.6.6 - Estimate and describe reasonableness of estimates determine the appropriateness of an estimate versus an exact answer.

MA.5.A.1.2: Estimate quotients or calculate them mentally depending on the context and numbers involved.

MA.5.S.7.1: Construct and analyze line graphs and double bar graphs.
Objectives:

The students will be able to count, sort and classify the M&Ms into groups according to their color

The students will be able to record the data they have collected onto a bar graph.

The students will create one graph with the total data collected and then interpret the data

The students will use the data to predict and determine probability and ratio of each color to a bigger size bag of M&Ms

Materials:

Bag of M&Ms (1 per group of 5-6 students)

Pencil

Paper and Graph paper

Rulers

Crayons/Markers
Prerequisite Knowledge:

Estimating

Counting

Sorting
Motivational Activity:

I will begin the lesson by asking students questions that will motivate them and get them excited to begin the lesson such as o Who Likes M&Ms? o What is their favorite color?

I will also let students know that our lesson will be dealing with M&Ms
Procedures:
1. Group students into small groups of 5-6. (ESOL, small groups)
2. Give each group a bag of M&Ms
3. Have each group open the bag of M&Ms and sort; classify M&Ms according to color. (ESOL, hands on, small grouping)
4. Have groups create and properly label and color a bar graph using the data they collected. (ESOL visual aide, small grouping)
5. As a class, students from each group will record their data onto the board and then combine their data they collected to make one graph.(ESOL Modeling,
Small/Whole Group)
6. A class discussion will continue with the ratio of each color to the entire bag.
7. With the information students will predict the probability of random selection of colors from a large bag
8. Discuss results.
9. After a class discussion the students will be involved in a creative writing according to the data the students collected.

Closure:

To close the lesson we will have a discussion about determining the ratios of each color to an entire bag and ask students to predict from a large bag.

We will also review what we learned throughout the lesson about decision making and how can we use what we learned in the lesson and apply it to the real world

Then the students will enjoy their own M&Ms to eat.
Assessments:

The graphs will be used as an assessment

Class participation during discussion
ESOL Accommodations:

Visual Aide

Small groups

Hands on manipulative

Teacher modeling

Word definitions of classifying, predicting, estimating, and graphing posted on the wall/board. (if needed)
Creative Writing Assignment

Ask students why it is that there are more Green M&Ms than any other color, and then write a short creative paragraph about it.