Statistics Activity: Design an Experiment

Statistics Activity: Design an experiment using M&M™ candy

In this activity, students will design an experiment, using the four principles of experimental design, to determine if they can taste a difference between the name-brand M&M candies and the generic chocolate covered candies. The teacher and students will then carry out the experiment together in class and interpret the results. As an extension activity, students can perform a one sample z test for a population proportion to interpret the results of the experiment.

This activity can be used with your AP Statistics or regular level statistics class. These are the following skills covered:

Math Common Core Standards, High School: Probability and Statistics

• Use data from a randomized experiment to compare two treatments; use simulations to decide if differences between parameters are significant. (IC.B.5)
• Evaluate reports based on data. (ID.B.6)

AP Statistics Course Exam Description

Main Activity

• VAR-3.A Identify the components of an experiment.
• VAR-3.B Describe elements of a well-designed experiment.
• VAR-3.E Interpret the results of a well-designed experiment.

Extension Activity

• VAR-6.D Identify the null and alternative hypotheses for a population proportion.
• VAR-6.F Verify the conditions for making statistical inferences when testing a population proportion.
• VAR-6.G Calculate an appropriate test statistic and p-value for a population proportion.
• DAT-3.B Justify a claim about the population based on the results of a significance test for a population proportion.

This is a ZIP folder with the following:

• A Word document of the activity (both color and pure black and white)
• A PDF document of the activity (both color and pure black and white)
• A PDF answer key with sample data
• A PDF instruction page

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This product is included in the following:

• AP® Statistics Unit 3 – Collecting Data Unit Plans
• AP® Statistics Unit 3 – Projects and Activities
• Goldie's FULL CURRICULUM for AP® Statistics
• Statistics – Chocolate Candy Bundle
• Statistics: Collecting Data

If you have the above products, you DO NOT need to purchase this separately.

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If you need extra explanations or additional guidance, I would love to help!! Contact me at goldiesmathemporium[at]gmail.com for any questions or samples.

AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board® which does not endorse this product.

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