Statistics Activity: The Binomial Distribution

Statistics Activity: The Binomial Distribution using M&M™ candy

In this activity, students will practice setting up a binomial distribution and finding their probabilities. They will compare theoretical and empirical probabilities by sampling blue M&M candies from a population.

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

• Define a random variable for a quantity of interest by assigning a numerical value to each event in a sample space; graph the corresponding probability distribution using the same graphical displays as for data distributions. (MD.A.1)
• Calculate the expected value of a random variable; interpret it as the mean of the probability distribution. (MD.A.2)
• Develop a probability distribution for a random variable defined for a sample space in which theoretical probabilities can be calculated; find the expected value. (MD.A.3)
• Develop a probability distribution for a random variable defined for a sample space in which probabilities are assigned empirically; find the expected value. (MD.A.4)

AP Statistics Course Exam Description

• UNC-3.A Estimate probabilities of binomial random variables using data from a simulation.
• UNC-3.B Calculate probabilities for a binomial distribution.
• UNC-3.C Calculate parameters for a binomial distribution.
• UNC-3.D Interpret probabilities and parameters for a binomial distribution.

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 4 – Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions Unit Plans
• AP® Statistics Unit 4 – Projects and Activities
• Goldie's FULL CURRICULUM for AP® Statistics
• Statistics – Chocolate Candy Bundle
• Statistics: Random Variables

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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