How to use candy to teach or learn Six Sigma
During our Yellow Belt (beginner Six Sigma) class, we have found lots of success teach statistical concepts using candy.
It is a fun way to make statistics less “scary” for those who don’t have a strong math background.
We start out the class by opening up the bags, and counting out the number of pieces in each bag. Each student separates the pieces into colors, and creates a Pareto chart of their bag (see image below).
Next, we inspect the pieces to see how many have defects, so we can calculate a sigma level based on defect rates.
Next, we collect the total number of pieces by bag from each student, and calculate a mean (average), median and estimate variation using the standard deviation for the number of pieces per bag. Yes, we calculate it all by hand, not using Excel or Minitab.
In the next exercise, we create a histogram of the pieces, to look at the distribution of the class data (it comes out looking like a normal distribution, no surprise there).
We calculate capability indices (Pp and Ppk) from the data, using specification limits that might represent wasted money for the company, or customer dissatisfaction from insufficient pieces in a bag.
During some of our classes, we conduct a gage R&R study by measuring the size of candy pieces, to see how well we can get consistent measurements. Other times, we opt to use an attribute gage R&R study, and check to see how well people can determine the difference between different types of soda or brands of bottled water).
Finally, we calculate control limits for an Individuals chart, and plot the results to look for “out of control” conditions (based on Nelson Rules, an updated version of the Western Electric Rules).
If you’d like to see the class live and in-person, we have a Six Sigma Yellow Belt training class taking place in Portland >>>
If Six Sigma is new to you, this is the best class to get started. If you are already trained or certified in Six Sigma, you should also attend, so you can see how to take this fun class back to your company to teach your employees or clients.
If you know someone who might be interested in this course, please forward this webpage to them.