Dear Chattery

Course Description: This course is designed to explore the rich history of guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar, from its origins in carnival games to its use in marketing and advertising. Students will learn about different counting techniques and strategies for making educated guesses, and will have the opportunity to conduct experiments to test their hypotheses.

Course Goals:

• Understand the history and evolution of guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar.
• Develop skills in counting and making educated guesses.
• Learn how to test hypotheses and analyze data.
• Apply these skills to real-world scenarios, such as marketing and advertising.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to Jelly Bean Counting

• History of jelly bean counting
• Carnival games and prizes
• Marketing and advertising

Week 2: Counting Techniques

• Estimating through size and volume
• Using averages and proportions
• Understanding probability

Week 3: Testing Hypotheses

• Conducting experiments
• Analyzing data
• Making conclusions

Week 4: Advanced Strategies

• Using technology to aid in counting
• Collaborative guessing
• Creative approaches to guessing

Week 5: Real-World Applications

• Marketing and advertising
• Contest design and management
• Ethical considerations

Week 6: Final Exam

• Applying all learned techniques to guess the number of jelly beans that could fit inside the center of the earth

Assessment:

• Class participation and discussion
• Lab reports and presentations
• Midterm exam
• Final exam

Grading Policy:

• Class participation and discussion: 20%
• Lab reports and presentations: 30%
• Midterm exam: 20%
• Final exam: 30%

Lab Assignments:

1. Counting Jelly Beans in a Jar: Students will be given a jar of jelly beans and asked to estimate the number of jelly beans inside using different counting techniques.
2. Hypothesis Testing: Students will create hypotheses about the number of jelly beans in a container and conduct experiments to test their hypotheses.
3. Creative Guessing: Students will be tasked with using creative approaches to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar or container.
4. Marketing and Advertising: Students will analyze marketing campaigns that use jelly bean counting as a promotional tactic and evaluate their effectiveness.

Final Exam: The final exam will require students to apply all of the techniques they have learned throughout the course to guess the number of jelly beans that could fit inside the center of the earth. Students will be expected to explain their reasoning and show their calculations.

Required Materials:

• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Calculator
• Access to the internet and online resources

Recommended Materials:

• Measuring tools (ruler, tape measure, etc.)
• Camera or smartphone camera
• A variety of containers (jars, boxes, etc.) to practice guessing

Course Policies:

• Attendance is expected and participation is crucial to success in the course.
• Late work will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.
• Academic integrity will be strictly enforced.
• Accommodations for students with disabilities will be provided in accordance with university policy.

Note: This syllabus is a draft and may be subject to change based on the instructor’s discretion and the needs of the students.