1st Grade Organizing and Reading Data Lesson (Free PDF)
This grade 1 data lesson for 1st Grade covers organizing and reading data (Common Core 1.MD.C.4), with a free PDF to print.
Data is information we collect, like how many children like each recess game. We can show data in a tally chart, a picture graph, or a bar graph. Then we read it to find how many are in each group, how many there are in all, and how many more or fewer one group has than another.
Grade 1 · Common Core State Standards: 1.MD.C.4
Key facts in this grade 1 data lesson
- Data is information we collect, such as votes.
- A tally mark is one line for one vote, and every fifth line crosses four lines.
- In a picture graph, each picture stands for one vote.
- In a bar graph, a taller bar means more votes.
- Add to find the total. Take away to find how many more or how many fewer.
What is data?
Data is information we collect. Ms. Rivera asks her class, “Where do you like to play at recess?” Each child picks one place. The answers are data.
How do tally marks work?
Count the groups of five first. Then count the extra lines. Seven is one group of five and 2 more.
What is a picture graph?
A picture graph uses one small picture for each vote. In this graph, each circle means 1 child. Count the circles in a row to find the votes.
What is a bar graph?
A bar graph uses bars. A tall bar means more votes. A short bar means fewer votes. Look at the number where the top of the bar stops.
How do you find how many more or how many fewer?
| Question | What to do |
|---|---|
| How many chose the swings? | Read the number: 4 |
| How many children in all? | Add all the groups: \(6 + 4 + 2 = 12\) |
| How many more chose the slide than the sandbox? | Take away: \(6 – 2 = 4\) |
| How many fewer chose the sandbox than the swings? | Take away: \(4 – 2 = 2\) |
Try it: how many more chose the slide than the swings?
- Find the slide. It has 6 votes.
- Find the swings. They have 4 votes.
- Take the smaller number from the bigger number: \(6 – 4 = 2\).
- Say the answer: 2 more children chose the slide.
Grade 1 data lesson: questions and answers
What is data in first grade math?
Data is information we collect, like the votes in a class poll. We sort the votes into up to three groups. Then we show them in a chart or graph.
How many lines are in one group of tally marks?
One group has 5 lines. Four lines stand side by side and the fifth line crosses them. Count groups of five first, then count the extra lines.
How is a picture graph different from a bar graph?
A picture graph shows one small picture for every vote. A bar graph shows one bar for each group. You count pictures in a picture graph, and you read a number beside the bar in a bar graph.
How do I find how many more?
Find the two numbers you are comparing. Take the smaller number away from the bigger number. If slide has 6 and sandbox has 2, then 6 minus 2 is 4 more.
How do I find how many in all?
Add the number from each group. With 6, 4 and 2, add 6 and 4 to get 10. Then add 2 more to get 12 in all.
How to use this grade 1 data lesson
Read the definitions first, then follow the worked method line by line and redo the example on paper without looking. When every step makes sense, move on to the worksheet, then check yourself with the quiz.
Download the grade 1 data lesson as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.
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