This is a real-life investigation of mathematics for students in grades 1-5. Students will learn, or review, estimation, data collection, organization, logical reasoning, data construction, and data analysis.
Students will estimate the number of chocolate chips in a cookie. Then students will count the actual number of chocolate chips. Students then display the data in a bar graph and view the relationships and trends. An independent activity sheet allows students to practice their data analysis skills on their own in class or at home.
There is a full page listing of extensions to provide options for students at different grade levels or to help differentiate instruction in the general classroom. A few of the extensions include ideas for creating a circle graph; finding mean, median, and mode; and comparing between brand of cookie, price, and number of chips in relation to if the purchase is a good deal. Two recording forms and two independent activity sheets are included for use by teachers of primary or intermediate grade levels.
This activity is a hands-on math investigation that your students will soon not forget. Post the student-made or class-made data graphs around the classroom to enhance the "community of learning" setting and to help promote math understanding and communication.