Lesson Plan Title:  Skittle Graphing  

Author: Vanessa Meyer and Sabrina Requena                             

NE Math Standards: 

4.5.1 By the end of fourth grade, students will collect, organize, represent, and interpret numerical and categorical data and clearly communicate the findings.

Objectives:

Students will take their data and construct a variety of graphs.

Materials: Data from skittles, computers, and pencils, website www.nces.ed.gov/ncekids/graphingx

Procedures:

What teacher is to do:  We will take the students down to the computer lab and have them read about the different graphs and construct one together as a class.  Then we will discuss with the students the different types of graphs they may use to represent the data they have collected.

What students are to do:  Students will go to the website we have addressed, and then have them read the description of the line graph.  We will then allow the students to explore the different graphs and charts they have to offer at this website.  After finishing their charts, we will have the students color in one that they would like to share.

 Closure:  Bring the students together and ask them which graph or chart was their favorite.  Then discuss with them whether or not they liked a particular graph.

Assessment:  I will Assess how well the student did by comparing the data they collected on Tuesday with the data included in their graphs or charts.

Explanation:  I used this lesson for SMART and the students really enjoyed it.  They were able to design their own graphs, using whatever colors or names they wanted.  This is a really great graphing site!!