Students will analyze candy data by sorting M&Ms or other multi-colored candies by color into groups, then entering the results into an Excel spreadsheet with columns for color, expected amount, and actual amount. They will use Excel to create a pie chart showing which candy color was most popular to gain experience with basic Excel functions like data analysis and visualization.

1. In-class exercise:
I want candy! - An introduction to Excel
Name: Candy:
Overview
Students will break into groups to count and analyze candy (with the candy
being a desert when we are done). This is done with multi-colored candy
(M&M's, Skittles, Starburst, etc) so students can understand the basics of
Excel: to analyze data. Students will try to figure out the most popular color
and graph their data.
Part 1: Candy
1. Let's think about our candy:
How many pieces does the package say we have: __________
How many colors do we have?
Color Expected Amount Actual Amount
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple
Pink
Part 2: Excel
1. Once you are done, enter all of this into Excel exactly as it is above.
2. Create a pie graph to show what color was the most popular