Lesson 2

Marshmallows and Containers

Est. Class Sessions: 2–3

Developing the Lesson

Part 2: Collect Data

Prepare Data Table. Display the data table in Question 3 on the Marshmallows and Containers pages. Remind students that data tables help scientists organize data and look for patterns in the data. Examine the data table with the class and discuss the two columns. Fill in the left side together. Assist students as they fill in the top of the right column.

Ask:

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  • What unit will you use to measure the volume of the containers? (The unit is marshmallows.)

Collect and Compare Data. Encourage students to group their marshmallows by tens to count them. As students collect data, observe their grouping and counting skills. Encourage the use of tens frames or the 200 Chart to assist with this process. See Figure 2 for a sample student data table.

After students complete their tables, encourage them to compare their data with one another.

Ask:

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  • How many marshmallows did the tall container hold?
  • Did every team get the same number? (Some differences in data will surface at this point, but the data should be close for each container.)
  • Why do you think teams counted different numbers of marshmallows for the tall container?

If one or two groups have numbers that are much larger than the rest of the class, discuss. Possible reasons include:

  • The containers were not filled to the same height;
  • Pairs may have pushed marshmallows into the container;
  • Pairs may have gently dropped marshmallows into the container;
  • Pairs may have miscounted; or
  • The marshmallows are not a uniform size.

In Question 4, students will use the data to assess the estimates they made in Question 1.

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Have each student pair keep their marshmallows in a plastic bag for later use.

Adventure Book:
Student Activity Book: 228
Answers
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SG_Mini
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Master:
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SG_Mini
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SG_Mini
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Sample student data table with title, containers, units, and data
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