Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Performed the M&M survival challenge and the results were not as expected. ie. the background of a green background (Skittles) did not lead to a lower # of green M&M's picked up. Only the yellow background produced expected results. This was having 30 data points using 4 colors as the background. What are some of the variables that may cause this? Should we repeat the experiment or should we try to explain the possible unexpected outcomes?

thanks. L

I think your little 'birds' have sharp eyes! Go ahead and repeat the experiment. I'm betting you get the same result. Humans are very good at distinguishing color and form quickly. You could try reducing the light level and see how much affect that had. Some prey animals only come out at dawn and dusk when there's not a lot of light so they are harder to see.

Now you made me hungry for M&Ms!!

Sybee

thanks Sybee!