For this lab, we are going to investigate what the relationship of the weight of M&Ms is to the length of a slinky. You will be working in groups of three. Put a check mark by each step of the experiment as you complete the step.
 

• You will need the following materials:

2 meter sticks
1 baby slinky
1 dixie cup with string holders
1 ziplock bag of M&Ms
 
• Experiment setup: One of the meter sticks is to be placed horizontally with its ends resting between two desks. Place one end of the slinky at the 50 cm mark so it hangs down to the floor. Place the dixie cup at the other end of the slinky.

 
• With the other meter stick, measure the distance the bottom of the cup is away from the horizontal meter stick. Record the value here __________ and the data table.

 
• You are to add M&Ms to the cup and record the distance the bottom of the cup is away from the horizontal meter stick. Take 10 different measurements and record them into the data table below:
DATA TABLE

Total of M&Ms	Distance (cm)
0	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_
_	_

• Get a big piece of graph paper and a sheet of dots.
 
• Set up your graph with the M&Ms on the x axis and the distance on the y axis.
• Choose an appropriate scale for both the x and y axes.
• Label each axis
• Place the dots on your graph representing your data from the M&Ms and distance.

 
• Neatly, put an appropriate title on your graph, your names, class, and hour.

 
• Get a graphing calculator
 
• Press STAT and ENTER and clear L1 and L2
• Enter your data into L1 and L2
• Turn your STATPLOTS on by pressing 2nd, Y=, ENTER and highlighting ON
• Make the Xlist: L1 and the Ylist: L2
• Choose an appropriate WINDOW and GRAPH
• To find the 'rule' for your data, press STAT, arrow to the right once and press the number by LinReg and ENTER
• Record the rule in the space provided: y= _______________________________________

 
• Neatly write your rule on your graph paper and hang it on the wall.

 
• Look at the graphs from the other groups. What are the differences between your graph and theirs. Explain.

Note: This lab is worth 25 points. You will be evaluated on your accuracy, neatness, ability to follow directions, group communication, ability to stay on task, and thoroughness.