I am so excited to let you know October 13th was Nationa M&M Day #MmDay. Looks like I need to run to the store to pick up all kinds of Mms for my family. Would you want some Mms as well? If so which flavor would you like?
In the meantime, here’s information on the history of M&M’s — the iconic candy that’s been melting in mouths (not hands) for over 80 years. Along with a Lesson Plan on Mms for those of your #Homeschooling your children.
Origins and Creation
- Mms were invented in 1941 by Forrest E. Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie (hence the name M&M: Mars & Murrie). I didn’t know this. Did you?
- Mms were inspired by Chocolate pellets used by Soldiers during the Spanish Civil War, which had a hard Sugar shell to prevent melting.
- Mms were originally created for the U.S. Military during World War II were included in Soldiers’ rations for their durability.
Early Milestones
- Mms were first produced in Newark, New Jersey, under the M&M’s Limited.
- Did you know the original variety was plain Milk Chocolate?
- Here is a fun tip to share with your friends and family. In 1950, the famous “m” stamp was added to distinguish M&Ms from imitators.
Expansion and Innovation
- Peanut M&M’s launched in 1954, along with the slogan “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand”.
- Over the decades, new varieties emerged including Peanut Butter, Crispy, Pretzel, Caramel, and more.
Cultural Impact
- Did you know M&Ms became the first candy in space aboard the Columbia Space Shuttle in 1981? I didn’t know that.
- Mms have appeared in movies, ads, and even had their own animated mascots — Red, Yellow, and friends. Including the sassy green Mm my favorite. Which Mm is your favorite and why?
Global Reach
- Mms are now sold in over 100 countries, and M&Ms are a global confectionery icon.
If you want to explore how M&Ms evolved in pop culture or their wildest flavor experiments? I’ve got plenty more candy-coated facts! Just leave me a comment with what you’re looking for and I will get to work on it.
Sweet news! October 13 is National M&M Day here is a Lesson Plan you can use when teaching. Mms are a celebration of one of America’s most iconic candies. Whether you love the classic milk chocolate, peanut, pretzel, or one of the newer flavors like caramel or brownie, National M&M Day is all about indulging in those colorful little treats.
Here’s how people often celebrate #MmDay:
- You can make M&M-themed desserts: like Cookies, cupcakes, trail mix, or even pancakes with M&Ms.
- Social media fun: Share your favorite flavor or recipe using the hashtag #MmDay.
- Creative crafts: Use M&Ms for colorful art projects or party decorations.
- Candy deals: Some stores and brands offer discounts or freebies to mark the occasion.
If you want ideas for a themed party or a fun M&M-inspired recipe? I’ve got plenty!
Here are some fun and educational lesson plan ideas to celebrate National M&M Day on October 13 🍬:
M&M-Themed Classroom Activities
1. M&M Maze & Crossword Challenge
- Designed for middle school students
- Includes a printable maze and a vocabulary-rich crossword puzzle
- Great for problem-solving and critical thinking
- Available on Teachers Pay Teachers
2. M&M Charting & Graphing Activity
- have students count M&Ms by color and create charts using Excel or PowerPoint
- Reinforces data analysis and presentation skills
- Bonus: students get to eat the M&Ms afterward!
3. Predict & Graph M&M Colors
- Students guess the number of each color in a bag
- Count and graph results to compare predictions vs. reality
- Encourages statistical thinking and visual data representation
4. Creative M&M Art Projects
- Make mosaics using M&Ms
- Paint with M&Ms (use them like watercolor paints)
- Attach mini M&M bags to flowers for a sweet gift exchange
Cross-Curricular Integration Ideas
- Math: Probability, statistics, graphing
- Science: Melting points, candy coating experiments
- Art: Mosaic design, color theory
- Language Arts: Write a short story or poem inspired by M&Ms
- Social Studies: Explore the history of M&Ms (e.g., first candy in space!)
If you would you like a printable worksheet or a full lesson plan template for one of these ideas? I’d be happy to help you build it! Just leave me a comment with what you’re looking for and I will get to work on it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
