Mini-Unit: Bar Graphs

Grade: 2nd

 TEK: (10) Data analysis. The student applies mathematical process standards to organize data to make it useful for interpreting information and solving problems. The student is expected to: (A) explain that the length of a bar in a bar graph or the number of pictures in a pictograph represents the number of data points for a given category;

Content Area: Mathematics

 Video Info: Brain Pop Jr., Tally Charts and Bar Graphs

Link: http://www.brainpopjr.com/math/data/tallychartsandbargraphs/

 Summary: This video gives students a great introduction to bar graphs.  It shows the students how to gather and assemble the information for a bar graph, as well as how to read the information on the graph once it is finished.

 Instructional Strategy: Once the students watch the video, I will have each of them each create their own bar graph.  Students will pick their own topic.  Once their topic is chosen, I will split the class in half so that the students can begin gathering their data (meaning each student will only take votes from half the class).  Once the information is gathered, the students will begin to assemble their data.  They will be encouraged to consult their table if they need help (and I will be monitoring, of course).  Once everyone has built their bar graph, I will call on students to share their graph with the class so that the students can get practice on reading and explaining bar graphs.  (Note: this strategy will have to occur over a couple class periods).  This strategy relates to my text because it has the students actually practicing what the characters did in the video.

2 thoughts on “Mini-Unit: Bar Graphs”

  1. Rachel,
    This video is ideal because it shows different options for graphing such as a tally chart of bar graph. The video also uses excellent modeling and communicates to children that there are multiple approaches to present gathered information. I also thought it was great that you incorporated students’ interests into this assignment to motivate and engage them. Your planning was well thought out and realistic to complete this assignment over a few class periods. It was also a good teaching move to have students only collect information from half of the class rather than the whole class. This way the students will not be as overwhelmed and will be able to complete their project in a timely manner. Nice job.
    Megan

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