Statistics Activity: Inference for Slope of a Regression Line

Statistics Activity: Conducting a significance test for a linear regression slope with M&M™ candies

In this activity, students will measure their height and then grab a handful of M&M candies to analyze if there is a linear relationship between the two. Students will check the five conditions necessary for performing linear regression inference and then will find the test statistics and p-value to make a valid conclusion.

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

• Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot, and describe how the variables are related. (ID.B.6)
• Informally assess the fit of a function by plotting and analyzing residuals. (ID.B.6b)
• Interpret the slope (rate of change) and the intercept (constant term) of a linear model in the context of the data. (ID.C.7)
• Compute (using technology) and interpret the correlation coefficient of a linear fit. (ID.C.8)

AP Statistics Course Exam Description

• VAR-7.J Identify the appropriate selection of a testing method for a slope of a regression model.
• VAR-7.K Identify appropriate null and alternative hypotheses for a slope of a regression model
• VAR-7.L Verify the conditions for the significance test for the slope of a regression model.
• VAR-7.M Calculate an appropriate test statistic for the slope of a regression model.
• DAT-3.M Interpret the p-value of a significance test for the slope of a regression model.
• DAT-3.N Justify a claim about the population based on the results of a significance test for the slope of a regression model.

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 9 – Inference for Quantitative Data: Slopes Unit Plans
• Goldie's FULL CURRICULUM for AP® Statistics
• Statistics – Chocolate Candy Bundle

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.

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