Grades 3 to 5 ยท 8 lessons
Data and graphs
Free data and graphs course for grades 3 to 5. Eight lessons: tally charts, tables, picture graphs, bar graphs, line plots and the mean.
Each lesson has one idea, one worked example, practice questions and one puzzle. Work through the list in order, or jump to the lesson you need. Every lesson has a matching practice page with ten more questions and answers.
All eight lessons are ready. Start with lesson 1, and use the practice page after each lesson to check that the idea has sunk in.
Lessons
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Collecting data and tally charts
Count with tally marks in groups of five.
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Reading tables
Read rows, columns and the cell where they meet.
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Picture graphs
Use a key so every picture stands for a number.
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Bar graphs
Read heights on a numbered scale.
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Line plots
Stack one X above each value on a number line.
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Reading a graph to answer questions
Compare, add and subtract values from a graph.
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Mean as fair share
Level the towers so every group gets the same.
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Making a good graph
Title, labels, a zero start and an honest scale.
What you will learn
The course starts with collecting data and recording it on a tally chart, one mark at a time in groups of five. Next you read tables, where every row and column has a label and the number you want sits in the cell where they meet. Picture graphs come after that, with a key that turns each picture into a number, including half pictures. Then you meet the two graphs children use most: bar graphs, with a numbered scale up the side, and line plots, with one X per item above a number line.
The last three lessons put the graphs to work. You answer compare, total and difference questions from a graph, find the mean by sharing a total fairly between groups, and finish with the rules that make a graph easy to read: a title, a scale that starts at zero, equal steps and bars that match the data.
How to use the course
- Read one lesson. It takes about five minutes.
- Study the worked example and the diagrams.
- Answer the five "Try it" questions and check your answers.
- Open the practice page for ten more questions.
- Move to the next lesson when you feel steady.
There are 8 lessons and 8 practice pages, all free and without an account.
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