Learning Objectives
- Read and understand simple data from tables and charts
- Collect data and organize it in a tally chart
- Draw and read pictographs (picture graphs)
- Answer questions based on data in charts
Key Concepts
What is Data?
Data means information collected about something. For example, if you ask all your classmates what their favourite fruit is, the answers you collect are data. Data helps us understand things and make decisions. But raw data can be messy, so we organize it into charts and tables!
Tally Marks
Tally marks are a quick way to count things. You draw one line for each item. After 4 lines, you draw the 5th line across them. This makes a group of 5 that is easy to count. For example: |||| = 4, and the next mark crosses to make a bundle of 5.
Pictographs
A pictograph uses pictures to show data. Each picture stands for a certain number of things. For example, one apple picture might stand for 2 apples. If you see 3 apple pictures, that means 3 x 2 = 6 apples. Always check what each picture stands for before reading the graph!
Reading Charts
To read a chart, first look at the title to know what it is about. Then look at the labels to understand what each row or column means. Finally, read the numbers or pictures to find the information. You can answer questions like "Which is the most?" or "How many more?" using the chart.
Important Terms
- Data: Information collected about something
- Tally Marks: Lines used to count and record data quickly
- Pictograph: A chart that uses pictures to show data
- Table: A chart with rows and columns used to organize data
- Title: The heading that tells what the chart is about
Quick Revision
- Data is information we collect
- Tally marks: every 5th mark crosses the first 4
- In a pictograph, one picture can stand for more than 1 item
- Always read the title and labels of a chart first
- Charts help us compare data and find answers quickly
- You can collect data by asking questions or observing