Sorting

Part of the data management unit requires us to sort using charts and diagrams (such as a Venn diagram). Yesterday we reviewed our Grade Two skill of sorting using a two loop Venn Diagram. Today we brought our sorting to a very sophisticated level by using a three loop Venn Diagram to sort using three different attributes. We played some fun Smartboard activities to help us practice before doing our independent work. Below are two screen shots of an activity we completed today. Picture one is "before or pre-sort" and picture two is "after or post-sort."

 

Picture One

                 Picture Two

What's The Mode?

This afternoon in math we learned all about mode. Mode is what shows up the most often in a data set.

 

The mode data in the chart above is 2 because it shows up the most in this data set.

Interpreting Bar Graphs

We have really kicked up our math thinking a notch. Instead of just "reading the data" in a graph. We are answering higher order questions that often require us to solve multi step math problems.

Take a look at the following graph:

Try These:

1. What might the question be if the answer is nineteen?


2. Which type of leaves combined were collected more: Hickory and Maple or Poplar and Chestnut?


3. How many leaves were collected altogether?

Bar Graphs

Today's math focus was all about the bar graph!
Like when I introduced the pictograph last week, I put students into small groups and let them explore this type of graph on their own. I did no prior teaching in order to see what they could come up with in their small group. We then shared our ideas as a whole group. I must say... the kiddies were able to do most of the teaching to each other. I love the power of problem solving!
Here is one of the bar graphs from today:

Interpreting Data

There are three levels of graph comprehension:

Reading the Data: This requires no interpretation of the graph. You literally read what is displayed.
Example: There are 20 McIntosh Apples in the store.

Reading Between the Data: This requires interpretation of the mathematical relationships expressed in the graph. Quantities are compared and other mathematical concepts (such as addition and subtraction) are applied.
Example: There are 15 more Red Rome apples than Golden Delicious apples.

Reading Beyond the Data: This involves making inferences about the data. Our schema (background knowledge) is used to make conclusions that are not explicitly stated in the graph.
Example: McIntosh apples must be the most popular type of apple because there are the least amount of those on the shelf, meaning most people probably buy that type of apple.

In Grade Three we want to be able to move away from just reading the data and work towards reading between and beyond the data. This requires us to apply critical thinking skills and to think "outside of the box."

Pictographs

Yesterday students were put into small groups and given a pictograph to interpret. I had not yet done any teaching on pictographs yet, but thought this would be a great way for students to explore on their own, teach each other and provide me with a good picture of what they already know. And holy smokes was I impressed. All groups were making wonderful interpretations of the data in the graph. In addition, they were paying attention to the key to kelp them read the data accurately! The key is a new concept to Grade Three, so the fact that they were able to problem solve as a small group on how to use it really had me smilin'.
After sharing our findings as a class today I gave the kiddies a little challenge. It was to make a tally chart based on one of the pictographs (so now we were working backwards). Amazingly, all kiddies were able to do this challenge! Way to go chickadees!

Below is an example of one of the pictographs we used for problem solving.

Data Management

Yesterday we began a math unit called Data Management. In this unit students will collect, organize and display data into graphs and charts. They will also interpret data that is presented in graphs and charts. The main types used throughout this unit will be Venn diagrams, pictographs, bar graphs and tally charts.
This is one of my favourite math units and is usually the students too! We have a lot of fun with many different hands on problems and activities. Before going into teaching I actually was headed down the road of research (specifically health sciences), so I am kinda a "data nerd" as Mr. Linse would say!