LESSON PLAN: Graphing with M&Ms

BY: Sara Buckles

STANDARDS:
2.MD.D.10
Draw a picture graph and a bar graph with single-unit scale to represent a data set with up
to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using
information presented in a bar graph.
3.M.D.B.3
Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several
categories. Solve one-and two-step how many more and how many less problems
using information presented in scaled bar graphs
OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to
1. Identify the three main types of graphs
2. Understand each major part of a graph
3. Count, sort, and classify M&Ms by color
4. Record Data on a chart
5. Use data from a chart to create a bar graph
6. Analyze and interpret data from a graph
MATERIALS:
M&Ms
Crayons
Construction paper
Graphing worksheet
Table worksheet
Power Point
STEPS OF LESSON
Introduce the topic of graphs
1. Ask the class What types of graphs they can think of? (3 min.)
a. Bar, pie, line, etc.
2. Discuss why graphs are used in general and what each type of graph is specifically
used for (5 min.)
a. Make sure to ask the class first before reveling the slide responses
b. Ask for examples of each type of graph
i. Types of food(bar)
ii. The speed of a car(line)
iii. Data used on a phone(pie)
c. Overall reasons then talk specifics

3. Talk about the different parts of a bar graph and what each part of the graph is used
for (10 min)
a. First have them all look at what the graph is and each part that is labeled
b. Have one student read the different elements of the graph
c. Make sure to ask the students to give input with the answers (dont just read
through the slides)
d. Scale the biggest number on the graph give/ask for an example
e. Intervals the steps up a graph give/ask for an example
f. Title what the graph is talking about give/ask for an example
g. Label descriptors of the x and y axis give/ask for an example
h. X-axis and Y-axis the horizontal and vertical lines on the graph give/ask
for an example
4. Introduce the assignment (2 min.)
a. Count the candy
b. Put amount of each color on the proper spots on the table provided
c. Fill in the graph comparing the candy using the worksheet provided
d. Remind the students to include each piece of the graph discussed in the lesson
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
Have the students write the answers on the back of the graph worksheet (5 min.)
1. Which color has the most M&Ms?
2. Which color has the least M&Ms?
3. Who in your group has the most of each color according to your graphs? The least?
4. What is the difference between the color with the highest amount of M&Ms and the
least amount of M&Ms