Gather information like a scientist! Learn how to collect data, organize it in tables, and display it using line plots and bar graphs. ๐
Collect, organize, and visualize data through interactive challenges!
Select the right data display for each situation!
Click all correct options
Turn raw data into an organized table!
Place data points accurately on a number line!
๐ฑ๏ธ Drag options below to the correct boxes (computer) or click to move (mobile)
Answer questions about a bar chart!
Collect accurate information, organize it clearly, and choose the best visuals to tell a data story
Data collection is the first step in any analysis. Decide what you want to know, ask consistent questions, and record answers carefully!
What is Data?
Data is information collected for a purpose. It can be numbers (quantitative) or words (qualitative).
Collecting Data
Use surveys, experiments, or observations to gather data. Ask clear questions!
Sampling
Sometimes you collect from a smaller group (sample) to represent the whole group (population).
Stay Organized
Record data carefully in tables or tally charts to avoid errors. Clean data leads to accurate graphs!
Decide if you need exact numbers or general categories. Match your collection method to your goal!
Collecting too little data. More samples lead to better conclusions!
Science experiments, school surveys, business market research
Survey classmates about favorite recess activity. Record responses on tally chart!
Frequency tables display raw data in organized format, making it easy to spot trends and prepare for visualization!
Definition
Frequency tables summarize how often each value occurs. Columns list values and their counts.
Steps
1. List each value. 2. Tally each time it appears. 3. Count tallies. 4. Optional: add cumulative frequency!
Tally Marks
Group tallies in sets of 5 to count quickly: //// = 4, ~////~ = 5.
Use Cases
Great for small datasets, surveys, and preparing for line plots or bar graphs
Sort data from smallest to largest before tallying. Helps avoid missed values!
Forgetting to include categories with zero values. They still matter!
Polling results, inventory counts, classroom scores
Record daily temperatures for a week. Create frequency table showing how often each temperature occurs.
Line plots give a quick view of how data points spread along a number line. They are especially helpful for showing repeated measurements!
Structure
Line plot uses number line with Xโs stacked above each value showing frequency.
When to Use
Great for small sets of numerical data, especially fractional measurements (like length).
Steps
1. Draw number line covering range. 2. Mark each data point with X. 3. Stack duplicates.
Benefits
Line plots show clusters, gaps, and outliers at a glance. Easy to read patterns!
Label the number line carefully and include a title and key if needed!
Forgetting to stack Xโs directly above each value. Keep columns aligned!
Science measurements, time tracking, classroom height chart
Measure pencil lengths. Create line plot showing class pencil sizes!
Bar graphs are powerful visuals for comparing categories. Choose appropriate scale, label axes, and use colors to distinguish datasets!
Structure
Bar graphs use rectangular bars to show data values. Bars can be vertical or horizontal.
Axes
X-axis shows categories, y-axis shows values. Bars must be equal width and evenly spaced!
Double Bar Graphs
Show two related datasets side by side (ex: apples sold in Jan vs Feb).
Use Cases
Excellent for comparing categories and spotting the highest/lowest values!
Start the y-axis at zero to avoid misleading the viewer!
Using inconsistent bar widths or spacing. Keep formatting neat and accurate!
Business sales reports, population comparisons, survey results
Create bar graph of class favorite snacks. Use frequency table as base!
Matching data to the right visual makes your story clear. Think about what you want to highlight: comparisons, parts, or trends!
Category Counts
Bar graphs best for comparing categories (e.g., favorite games).
Measuring Repeated Values
Line plots best for showing repeated measurements (lengths, times).
Total/Parts
Pie charts show parts of a whole. Use when total is known and categories add to 100%.
Change Over Time
Line graphs best for tracking trends (height over weeks).
Ask: 'What question am I trying to answer?' Let that guide your graph choice!
Using pie charts for too many categories. Limit slices to 6 or fewer!
News reports, infographics, education dashboards
Design a poster showing different graph types with example data for each!
Data is everywhere. Collect it, organize it, graph it, and share the story you uncover!
Classroom Survey
Survey classmates about favorite school subjects. Create a frequency table and bar graph!
Weather Watch
Record daily high temperatures for two weeks. Plot on line graph and analyze trends!
Snack Choices
Count types of vending machine snacks purchased. Build double bar graph for two weeks!
Fitness Tracker
Log daily steps. Use line plot to see activity pattern!
Document your process. Show raw data, frequency tables, and graphs in a portfolio!
Skipping labels and titles. Without them, graphs are confusing!
Science fair projects, sports analytics, family budgeting
Start a data journal. Each week, choose new topic to collect and graph data!