Statistics Activity: Sampling Distributions

Statistics Activity: Exploring sampling distributions with M&M™ candy

In this activity, students will explore the difference between the population distribution, the sample distribution, and the sampling distribution by sampling yellow M&Ms from a population. This activity reinforces statistics vocabulary, symbols, and formulas needed to understand the concept.

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

• Understand statistics as a process for making inferences about population parameters based on a random sample from that population. (IC.A.1)
• Decide if a specified model is consistent with results from a given data-generating process, e.g., using simulation. (IC.A.2)

AP Statistics Course Exam Description

• Estimate sampling distributions using simulation. (UNC-3.H)
• Determine parameters of a sampling distribution for sample proportions. (UNC-3.K)
• Interpret probabilities and parameters for a sampling distribution for a sample proportion. (UNC-3.M)

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 5 – Sampling Distribution Unit Plans
• AP® Statistics Unit 5 – Projects and Activities
• 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.

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

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