To teach basic probability using colored candies, create a chart with three columns labeled "yellow," "red" and "white." Form students in groups of three. Distribute copy of the chart and a brown bag filled with 10 colored candies to each group: six yellow, three red and one white. Direct students to take turns pulling candy from the bag and recording the color pulled with a tally mark in the corresponding column on the chart. After each turn, students return the candy to the bag. Repeat this step 30 times. Once completed, students observe yellow as the most probable selection.
Distribute a bag of M&M's to each student. Direct students to open the bags and empty the contents, sorting by color. Students sort the M&Ms and create a pictograph to show the number of M&Ms of each color in their bags. When the students complete their pictographs, the teacher leads the group in presenting their final products to the class. Have students identify comparisons among the graphs as a group. Creating a class graph to show the combined results from all the graphs would serve to extend this activity.
This activity can be extended to include a final graph product. To begin you need five packages of Skittles, a large glass jar of Skittles and a poster board with X and Y axises drawn on it. Students are separated into five groups to complete the task of using a package of Skittles to determine the probability of choosing a specific color of Skittle from the glass jar. For a detailed description of this activity and an extended project, please see Resources.
To teach probability using candy in high school, try this activity focused on experimental probability. Fill enough brown bags for each student with 15 pieces of assorted-color candies. Direct students to pull a candy from the bag. Students record the color and place it back in the bag. Students repeat this 20 times. After the last selection, students are directed to find the experimental probability of each color. Next, students empty their bags to determine the actual number of each color (see Resources).