Data
Sorting & Representing Data: Pictograms and Block Graphs
Junior Infants · Senior Infants · 1st Class · 2nd Class
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to understand what data is and why we sort it.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to sort objects into given categories.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to create simple pictograms using pictures to represent data.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to create simple block graphs using blocks or squares to represent data.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to interpret and answer questions based on simple pictograms and block graphs.
Key concepts
Data is information or facts that we collect about things. For example, the number of red cars we see, or the favourite fruit of our friends.
Sorting means putting things that are the same together in groups. This helps us to organise our data and make sense of it.
A pictogram is a way to show data using pictures. Each picture usually stands for one item. It helps us to see how many of each thing there are very quickly.
A block graph is a way to show data using blocks or squares. Each block usually stands for one item. The blocks are stacked up in columns to show how many of each thing there are.
Every pictogram and block graph needs a title to tell us what the graph is about. Labels tell us what each group or category is.
Key facts to remember
- 1Data is information we collect about things.
- 2Sorting helps us to organise data into groups.
- 3A pictogram uses pictures to show how many of something there are.
- 4A block graph uses blocks or squares to show how many of something there are.
- 5In these graphs, each picture or block usually means one item or one person.
- 6All graphs need a title to tell us what information they are showing.
- 7Graphs help us to see and compare information easily and quickly.
Worked examples
Example 1
The children in Junior Infants counted the colours of their crayons. They found 4 red crayons, 3 blue crayons, and 5 yellow crayons. Create a pictogram to show this data.
Answer
A pictogram titled 'Crayon Colours in Junior Infants'. Red: 🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️ Blue: 🖍️🖍️🖍️ Yellow: 🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️
Make sure your pictures are drawn neatly in a straight line so it's easy to count them!
Example 2
Look at the pictogram below showing 'Our Favourite Pets'. Title: Our Favourite Pets Dog: 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶 Cat: 🐱🐱🐱🐱 Fish: 🐠🐠 1. How many children like dogs? 2. Which pet is liked by the fewest children?
Answer
1. 6 children like dogs. 2. Fish is liked by the fewest children.
Remember that each picture stands for one child.
Example 3
The children in 1st Class voted for their favourite shapes. 5 children liked squares, 3 children liked circles, and 6 children liked triangles. Create a block graph to show this data.
Answer
A block graph titled 'Favourite Shapes in 1st Class'. ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ Square Circle Triangle
Make sure your blocks are all the same size and stacked neatly above each other.
Common mistakes
- ✗Not counting the items or pictures carefully enough, leading to incorrect totals.
- ✗Drawing pictures or blocks that are not neatly lined up, which makes it hard to read and compare the data.
- ✗Forgetting to give the pictogram or block graph a clear title.
- ✗Mixing up the groups or categories when drawing the graph, putting pictures or blocks in the wrong place.
Exam tips
- ★Always count each item or picture slowly and carefully to get the correct number.
- ★Draw your pictures or blocks neatly and make sure they are lined up in straight rows or columns.
- ★Read the question more than once to make sure you understand exactly what you need to do.
- ★Always check your work at the end to see if your counts are correct and if your graph makes sense.
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