Analysing Data through Graphs

Investigating and analysing data is an important area of mathematical learning that helps children to understand relationships between different aspects. 

This learning impacts on all mathematical thinking. 

It requires children to think critically, analyse and predict: important mathematical skills.

When we look closely at different types of graphs we can gain much information to help make important decisions about our daily lives. We began this unit of learning by looking at different types of graphs and understanding the terminology <survey> <data> <analyse> <graph>.

The children created their own graphs by collecting data about the different shaped leaves in the potted plants around the school. The children used tally marks as a way of effectively collecting the data. The children were required to work together in small groups and make decisions together about the data collection.

Using tally marks is an effective way of collecting data and collating the results.

When we had collected the data we discussed the findings, analysed why some plant leaves were higher in number and how we could graph the results.

In this unit the children constructed their own bar graphs, measuring accurately the vertical and horizontal columns, created and answered questions based on the graphs. This unit provided many opportunities to use other areas of mathematical skills through a problem solving approach, such as measurement, addition, subtraction and multiplication, finding the difference between two numbers.