Learning Objectives
By the end of the unit students will be able to:
- Collect primary data through simple surveys
- Organize raw data using tally marks and frequency tables
- Represent data using pictographs and bar graphs (single and double bar graphs)
- Read and interpret pictographs and bar graphs correctly
- Calculate mean, median, and mode of a given data set
- Solve real-life problems using data interpretation
Key Vocabulary
Data, raw data, primary data, tally marks, frequency, pictograph, symbol/key, bar graph, scale, horizontal/vertical axis, title, mean (average), median, mode, range, survey, questionnaire
Complete List of Teaching Materials Required
- Whiteboard, markers, graph ruled chart paper
- A4 sheets, graph sheets (1 cm grid, coloured pencils
- Printed blank tally/frequency tables
- Real-life data printouts (weather chart, favourite sport survey results, marks of class, population of states, etc.)
- Dice, coins, coloured beads or buttons for quick data collection
- Ruler, sketch pens, stickers (for pictograph symbols)
- Laptop + projector (optional) for showing newspaper graphs or Excel bar graphs
- Survey forms (ready-made for favourite fruit, mode of transport, etc.)
Detailed Day-wise Lesson Plan
Period 1 – Introduction to Data & Collecting Data Engagement: “How many of you have a pet at home?” Quick show of hands → teacher records tally on board. Explain: What is data? Difference between raw data and organized data. Activity: Whole-class survey – “Favourite school subject” (Maths, Science, English, SST, Hindi, Others). Students raise hands → live tally marks → frequency table on board. Homework: Each student must ask 10 family members/friends “Favourite season” and bring tally next day.
Period 2 – Pictograph Revise tally and frequency using students’ homework data. Introduce pictograph: each picture/symbol represents a fixed number (key). Teacher demonstrates on board with class data (Favourite subject). Pair activity: Students draw pictograph for “Favourite fruit” survey (provided data). Rule: Symbol must be the same size, half symbol allowed only if mentioned in key.
Period 3 – Bar Graph (Column) Graph Show real newspaper/magazine bar graph. Explain parts of a bar graph: title, axes, labels, scale, equal width bars, gap between bars. Teacher draws bar graph of “Favourite subject” data on chart paper (vertical bars). Students draw the same on graph sheet. Introduce horizontal bar graph with another example (Marks of 5 students).
Period 4 – Double Bar Graph & Interpretation Provide data of boys vs girls favourite sport in class. Teacher demonstrates double bar graph (two different colours/shades, legend/key). Class activity: Interpret ready-made graphs (weather – rainfall in 5 cities, population of states 2011 vs 2021 estimate). Questions asked: Which city has maximum/minimum rainfall? How much more? etc.
Period 5 – Mean (Average) Real-life example: “Ravi scored 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 in 5 tests. What is his average?” Formula: Mean = Sum of all observations ÷ Number of observations Practice 6–8 questions on board (cricket scores, temperatures of a week, pocket money of friends, etc.). Quick trick: If mean is known and one value missing → find missing value.
Period 6 – Median and Mode Arrange data in ascending/descending order → median = middle value (odd number of observations) or average of two middle values (even). Mode = value that appears most often (can be bimodal or no mode). Examples on board + students solve 8–10 questions in notebook. Compare mean, median, mode with same data set to see difference.
Period 7 – Consolidation, Survey Project & Assessment Mini project (done in 30 min in class): Groups of 4–5 students Step 1: Decide a question (e.g., “How do you come to school?” – walk, cycle, car, bus, auto) Step 2: Collect data from at least 25 students of Grade VI Step 3: Make frequency table Step 4: Represent using pictograph AND bar graph on A4 sheet Step 5: Find mean, median, mode of another numerical data (e.g., number of siblings). Best 3 charts displayed on class soft board.
Ready-to-Use Worksheets & Assessment Pack
Worksheet 1: Tally marks and frequency table practice (3 questions) Worksheet 2: Draw pictograph from given data (2 questions) Worksheet 3: Draw single bar graph on graph sheet (2 questions) Worksheet 4: Interpret double bar graph (6 questions) Worksheet 5: Calculate mean, median, mode (8 data sets) Worksheet 6: Mixed word problems (8 questions)