Graphs and Line Plots

In earlier grades, students ahve learned to read, interpret, and create picture graphs based on a set of information (data) that was collated in a table.  In Grade 1, reading, analu=yzing, and interpreting picture graphs only involved counting the number of symbols in each category, while in Grade 2, the symbols may represent more than one item.

In this chapter, students will extend their understanding of picture graphs with scales to bar graphs.  they will learn that a bar graph uses bars drawn against a scale to show data, and organize and compare large sets of data.  They are ready to work with scales in skips of two or greater.  Students will have the opportunity to draw their own bar graphs based on data tey collect from a survey, they progressively learn how to read and interpret bar graphs to solve real-world problems.

Students learn to use a ruler to estimate and measure given lengths to the nearest quarter, half, or whole inch.  Then they learn to record a set of measurements in a line plot, developing understanding of how these line plots are used to organize data and show frequency of an event.  As students gain experience, they will construct line plots straight from the data presented in the table.

Students will gradually understand that bar graphs and line plots help to organize data.  Bar graphs are used to compare data, while line plots show how a set of data is grouped, compared, and spread out.  Students learn to collect and represent basic data drawn by surveys.  This knowledge can be used to conduct research assignments in other studies.  As students understand how to interpret bar graphs with varying scales, they are able to understand information presented to them in varying texts, be it from their real-world experiences or studying information for other subject areas such as science and history.