In this feature for Primary teachers, we offer a range of data handling activities which capitalise on learners' natural curiosity. Some of the tasks below encourage learners to pose their own questions, which they can then investigate for themselves, and our article outlines the four step model we are advocating. We hope you enjoy exploring alongside your learners.
You can watch a recording of the webinar in which we discussed the mathematical thinking which can be prompted by these problems.
P is for posing
Ladybird count
Some children were playing a game. Make a graph or picture to show how many ladybirds each child had.
Venn diagrams
How will you complete these interactive Venn diagrams?
Carroll diagrams
Use the interactivities to fill in these Carroll diagrams. How do you know where to place the numbers?
Real statistics
Have a look at this table of how children travel to school. How does it compare with children in your class?
Data duos
Healthy snack shop
Take your dog for a walk
Use the interactivity to move Pat. Can you reproduce the graphs and tell their story?