M&M Sets -- Teacher Talk

Math Content

Subsets, union and intersection of sets  

TEKS info

Grade 4

4.7 Patterns, Relationships, and Algebraic Thinking.  The student is expected to describe the relationship between two sets of related data.     

Resources 

      Math Advantage, Teachers Edition, Vol. 1, Harcourt Brace 1999

Description of Activity 

        The board contains three faces (sets) and a bag of M&Ms (the universal set).  Three baggies contain problems to do.  Children choose a problem, make the given set(s), and then make the         indicated set.  For example:  Given:  Lucy = {1 red, 1 green} and Bob = {1 green, 1 brown}.  Find: Lucy intersect Bob.  The answers are on the backs of each card.  The M&Ms have Velcro on the back, so it’s easy to move them around on the felt board.

Extension Ideas

        The M&Ms could be replaced with numbers or other objects, so that new sets could be formed.

 
Supplies Needed
Construction Ideas

        Background paper

        Felt (mouths and M&M bag)

        Velcro

        Glue

        Ribbon and pipe cleaners (hair)

        Baggies

        Tempra paint

        White Crayon (M&M problem cards & border)

        Construction paper