Teaching Mathematics with the Internet Workshop
1998
Fruit Loops Graphing
by Shirley Hanner
Grade Levels: 3-5
Curriculum: Tenn/curriculum/State Objectives:
Collecting, organizing and describing data based on real life situations.Constructing, reading and interpreting data in charts, graphs, tables etc.Predicting outcomes based on probability of same chance, likely or less likely.Overview :
Students will encounter many graphs in everyday life.This lesson develop skills in reading and interpreting data on a graph. Itallows for an enjoyable hands on approach to graphing .Objectives:
- Sort and Classify
- Record data on chart
- Use data to create a bar or circle graph
- Analyze and interpret data
- Use collected data to determine probability
- Create a printed graph using Claris Works 4.0 Spreadsheet
Resources / Materials:
- 2 (20 oz. boxes of "Froot Loops")
- paper
- crayons or markers
- small Styrofoam cups
- pictures of various kinds of graphs
- computer with access to the Net
Activities and Procedures:
- Give each student a small cup of Fruit Loops
- Ask students to sort and classify Fruit Loops according to color
- After demonstrating types of graphs , ask students to create apictograph.
- Have students work in small groups of 3-5
- Have students discuss the differences and similarties of the bargraph and pictograph
- Demonstrate a bar graph then ask the students to illustrate andcolor a bar graph using the color and figures,( from the findings of theirdata collected using the Froot Loops).
- Using the collected data to assist the students in creating aprinted bar graph using Claris Works 4.0 or any other word processingprogram that has a Spreadsheet.
- The students can use the charts to predict the probability ofselecting one color at random from the boxes of Fruit Loops in theclassroom.
Tying It All Together:
Students can use charts and graphs to predict probability and developdecision making skills. The concepts of graphing and probability allowsfor a better understanding when using a hands on approach. Therelationship between the parts of a graph are a treasure trove for seekingpatterns. Distribute the class-wide database and lead a discussion on thegreatest color from each group. Make a large bar graph on the white boardto confirm prediction.Evaluation:
- Teacher Observation
- Student participation
- Printed bar graph
Internet Links:
- Graphs
- Jelly-Bean Graphs
- GraphFun
Biography:
I am a 28 year veteran teacher in Hamilton County Tennessee. I am currentlya fifth grade 21st Century classroom teacher at East Lake Elementary.
Photo and/or other images
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