Graph It!

Our newest unit in Math is a hit!!  We have been learning about graphing and how to display data.  Today, the students were presented with a pile of classroom supplies.

After trying to make observations from the confusing pile, one student observed:

"Maybe it will be easier if we sort it!"

Some volunteers made short work of that confusing jumble...

Next, the students decided to make a graph of the school supplies.  We used our graphing mat.  Again some eager volunteers got to work...

Everyone was so eager to help, we ended up sorting and graphing many different groups of school supplies.

After each graph was completed, the students discussed what they saw and interpreted the information on the graph.  Here are some ideas they shared:

• "There are more pencils than glue sticks."
• "There are more markers than anything else!"
• "The glue sticks have the smallest number."
• "We have more scissors than pencils."
• "The makers win!  Look how high they go!"
• "There are two more pencils than glue sticks."

The students wanted to do even more graphing.  We changed gears, and decided to gather information from each other to complete two different graphs.  First, the students surveyed each other and recorded if their friends had less than 5 letters, 5 letters or more than 5 letters in their name.  Next, they chose three colours and surveyed their classmates to see which of the three colours was liked the most, and the least.


It was so exciting to see and hear the students so excited about Math!  The room was abuzz!  Take a peek at mathematical investigation in process...

Before, during and after the graphs were constructed, the students were engaged in meaningful, mathematical dialogue.  While working together and talking to each other, the students were clarifying their understanding, helping each other and connecting personally to the mathematical concept of graphing.

Ask your child to share some their results with you. Perhaps you could ask them to show you how to sort and create a graph of various household objects.  Encourage your child to record and discuss the results with you (we would love to see them too).  Happy graphing!