Ratios, Percentage and Estimation with Excel and Candy

The Distribution of Colors in a Bag of M & M's

A spreadsheet activity for use in a Math Classroom or class.

Materials Needed:

Bags of colored candy coated chocolates, I like the ones with peanuts but peanuts may cause a problem in school!
This math lesson contains no peanuts!
An Excel spreadsheet or a picture of one for design purposes.

Directions (1):

Divide the class into five groups. Give each group a bag of M & M's. More groups are possible, but an unopened bag of candy must be reserved as the "mystery bag." You will need one more bag of candy than the number of groups in your classroom.

Directions (2):

Students are to list the colors of the candy pieces, count the pieces of each color, and record that number. Each group is to share their data.

Directions (3):

3. Students should then enter their data into a spreadsheet. Each group will list all groups on their own sheet. The top row should include a "Colors" heading, group names or numbers, one row per group, and an "Average" heading. The first row should list the candy colors in any order. Below the list of colors they should enter a "Total“ heading.

Create a spreadsheet like this one:

Add Some Math:

Use the Magic Corner:

Use the magic corner to copy the formulas to the appropriate cells.

Format Your Sheet:

Be sure to add your name(s) to the sheet because they will all look a lot alike.

Create a Circle Graph of Your Bag:

Create a Bar Graph of Your Bag:

Thanks to:

http://us.mms.com/us/ for graphics and great candy!
They provide these numbers on their website. (How cool is that!)

Sweet!