Purpose

To separate the chocolate chips from the cookie crumbs, count the chips, and use basic statistics to analyze the results.

a) Nabisco's brand Chips Ahoy!  package of original real chocolate chip cookies (One cookie per student, or two per student if you would like to give them a whole one to eat at the end of the lesson)
    * Place packages of cookies in the freezer overnight before doing the activity to make separation easier.
    * Please do not use any of the specialty cookies such as the chewy, reduced fat, mini, or chunky varieties.

b) Sealable plastic bags  (One per student)
    * Ziploc brand snack size/sandwich size works well

c) Toothpicks (Two per student)

d) Ruler - wood, paper, or plastic (One per student)

e) Paper plate (One per student)

f) Student Directions (Print one per student)

g) Student Data Sheet (Print one per student)

h) Teacher Data Worksheet (Print one per class)
 
 

1) Count the number of cookies in the package.  Record the number of cookies and the price of the package ($US) on the teacher data sheet.

2) Distribute the following supplies to each student:
        * Student data sheet to record all their data throughout the activity
        * One cookie
        * Paper plate
        * Toothpicks
        * Plastic bag
        * Ruler

Have the students:

3) Measure the diameter (cm) of their cookie. Record.
    * One option is to trace the cookie and measure the outline.  Another option is use the ruler right on the cookie.  If time is a factor, photocopy a ruler on a piece of paper for each child.  This will allow the students to just place the cookie on top of the ruler and alleviate the need to pass out and collect individual rulers.

4) Predict the number of  chocolate chips in their cookie. Record.

5) Place the cookie inside the plastic bag.
    * They should make sure they squeeze out most of the air before sealing the bag. (This will prevent the air from cushioning the cookie during the next step.)

6) Stand and drop the cookie bag to the floor directly in front of him/her.
    * CAUTION: Make sure students are far enough apart so no one is hurt. Repeat approximately five times or until the cookie has crumbled. This will make it easier to count the chocolate chips.

7) Empty the contents of their bags onto their individual plates.
    * They should use the toothpicks to separate the cookie crumbs from the chocolate chips.

8) Count the chocolate chips. Record.

9) Students' individual data will then be used to produce a class data sheet which will be submitted to the web site.

If you are analyzing the data on another day, collect the students' data sheets.

1) Using the Teacher Data Sheet, record each student's data.  This can be compiled using several options:
    * Copy the recording table from the Teacher's Data Worksheet onto an overhead transparency.
    * Record the student's data on the chalkboard and students can copy it into their notebooks.
    * Recreate the recording table onto large chart paper.

2) Using the compiled data, calculate the mean, mode, median, and range for each category of the data analysis on the Teacher Data Worksheet.  This can be calculated using several options:
    * Divide the students into groups, having one group calculating all the means for every category, another group calculating the mode for every category, etc.
    * Children may calculate individually, with or without using calculators.

3) Record all the data analysis results on your worksheet.  These results can be placed on the chalkboard for class discussion and analysis.  Use the Tally Perfect? - Critical Thinking Questions and the Student Tally Perfect? worksheet to stimulate discussion.

1) To submit your results to our project's site, use the E-Mail Submission Request.
 
 

1) Students can be assessed on the complete process of the Chips A Tally using the Sample Assessment Rubric.