Grade 3 — Mathematics: First-Hand Data Analysis and Bar Graphs

Overview

Students collect and organize first-hand data and display the results in a variety of ways, including bar graphs.

Activate

Students view examples of data organization and display or cite examples they remember from previous grades [Plan and Question] (i.e., tally chart, pictograph, table or spreadsheet, digital photos, bar graph). Class discusses the clarity and appeal of each example.

Teacher Tip:
The recommended Bar Grapher website could be used for class demonstration to show bar graph of students' day or allows input of other data.

Suggestions for Assessment:
Observe what students know and understand about how the information was gathered and about the various types of data display to determine which students need differentiation and/or appropriate scaffolding.

With students, construct assessment criteria for what makes a good bar graph. Throughout grade 3 data analysis, use the Focused Observation Form to focus on students' growing competence as they collect and organize first-hand data and display the results in a variety of ways, including bar graphs.

Acquire

Students organize a given or collected set of data using tally marks, line plots, charts or lists and answer questions related to the data. [Gather and Make Sense]

Suggestions for Assessment:
Record Focused Observations: Determine if students use appropriate methods for organizing different data sets.

Students create bar graphs from a given set of data and solve problems by interpreting the bar graph. [Produce to Show Understanding]

Teacher Tip:
One possible answer is grouping the K, 2, and 5.

Apply

Student groups conduct a first-hand statistics investigation (e.g., survey of favourite grade 3 summer holiday activities, digital images of plant growth) that involves collecting data electronically   (including email, survey/poll via email, digital images) [Produce to Show Understanding, Gather and Make Sense, Collaborate] Students organize  and display the data in at least three ways, including a bar graph, and formulate a conclusion. [Gather and Make Sense, Produce to Show Understanding] Students solve problems by interpreting their bar graph.

Suggestions for Assessment:
Summative strategies such as this one have many possible tagged outcomes. Target assessment on only a few of the criteria/goals such as the ones that were not addressed in your focused observations.