Statistical Introduction

Throughout the course history, mathematics has been called upon to answer some of the world’s most pressing questions, including, but not limited to: “What colors can I expect to find in a bag of milk chocolate M&M’s?”

Read through THIS ARTICLE and discuss your findings. What do you find interesting? Confusing? etc.

Your task is to collect data on the M&M color distribution through a carefully designed and controlled experiment in which you will:

Materials Needed:

• Trial Size or 1.69 oz bags of m&m’s - one per student.
• Class Date Google Sheet LINK

Experiment Design:

1. open a bag,
2. count the number of m&m’s falling into each color category,
3. record the numeric results,
4. record your color distribution on the class data sheet, and
5. properly dispose of the M&M’s by seeing whether or not they really do melt in your mouth, not in your hand.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Is it possible to predict which color will be most popular in a bag of m&m’s?
• Are the colors evenly distributed? If not, which one is most popular?
• Do you think everyone's bag will be the same as yours...why or why not?
• Any similarities? Differences? Extremes?
• Can we answer our original questions?
• What conclusions can we reach from this activity?
• Why do you think one color appears less than others? Do you think there is a reason? What are some reasons?