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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

What is the best chip?

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L242

A lesson plan for grades 3–5 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics


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In this investigation, students use data analysis to seek answers to the types of questions often posed by consumer agencies and people who work in sales and marketing. Illuminations provides an activity sheet, links to web resources that contain nutrition data, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.

Students will:

  • Gather data.
  • Organize data into tables or charts.
  • Distinguish between qualitative data (qualities such as taste and crispiness) and quantitative criteria (measurable amounts).
  • Use the data and criteria to choose the “best” chip.
  • Identify and use multiple approaches for solving problems.
  • See connections between mathematics and such other disciplines as consumer research, sales, and marketing.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Design investigations to address a question and consider how data-collection methods affect the nature of the data set.
  • Represent data using tables and graphs such as line plots, bar graphs, and line graphs.
  • Collect data using observations, surveys, and experiments.
  • Propose and justify conclusions and predictions that are based on data and design studies to further investigate the conclusions or predictions.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Healthful Living Education (2006)

Grade 3

  • Goal 4: The learner will apply knowledge and behavior self management skills to areas of nutrition and physical activity for healthy growth, development, and maintenance.
    • Objective 4.02: Explain and analyze the nutrient and caloric information found on a Nutrition Facts label.
    • Objective 4.05: Differentiate between a portion and a serving and explain how to plan meals and snacks using appropriate portion sizes.

Grade 4

  • Goal 4: The learner will apply knowledge and behavior self management skills to areas of nutrition and physical activity for healthy growth, development, and maintenance.
    • Objective 4.03: Utilize the basic information on food labels to make decisions about the nutritional value of various foods.
    • Objective 4.04: Demonstrate the ability to plan healthy meals and snacks that emphasize the principles of My Pyramid.
    • Objective 4.08: Provide examples of how the media and advertisers use persuasive techniques to influence food purchasing decisions.

Grade 5

  • Goal 4: The learner will apply knowledge and behavior self management skills to areas of nutrition and physical activity for healthy growth, development, and maintenance.
    • Objective 4.02: Evaluate the benefits of limiting the consumption of foods and beverages high in fat and added sugar.
    • Objective 4.04: Analyze how media images of food choices and eating behaviors may be unhealthy.

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use data and simple probability concepts.
    • Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including circle graphs and tables) to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.02: Determine the number of permutations and combinations of up to three items.
    • Objective 4.03: Solve probability problems using permutations and combinations.

Grade 4

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs, probability, and data analysis.
    • Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including line graphs and bar graphs) to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.03: Solve problems by comparing two sets of related data.
    • Objective 4.04: Design experiments and list all possible outcomes and probabilities for an event.

Grade 5

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
    • Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including stem-and-leaf plots) to solve problems.
    • Objective 4.02: Compare and contrast different representations of the same data; discuss the effectiveness of each representation.