Candy Jar
Summary
This HILT activity uses a manipulative consisting of a large container of multi-colored, candy-coated chocolate candies. The concept of parameter in the everyday sense (a limit, bound, or rule; a characteristic, element, or condition) is introduced through a large, chocolate-covered peppermint wafer that does not meet the required characteristic for inclusion in the population (it is too large to enter the container via the small opening in the top). In the next part of this activity, two containers are used: the same large container of candy, which represents the population, and a smaller container, which represents a sample drawn from the population. At this stage in the activity, there is emphasis on the statistical meaning of parameter as a summary measure from the population, in contrast to a statistic being a summary measure from the sample.
Video Demonstration
Materials
Close Up Photos of the Manipulative:
Powerpoint Presentation for Quick Reminders: