Unit Plan 25 (Grade 1 Math): Data & Categories—Tally, Graph, Analyze
Collect and organize class data with tallies, build simple bar graphs with labels and scale, and answer “how many more/less?” using clear comparisons and evidence from the graph.
Focus: Collect, categorize, and represent data with tally marks and simple bar graphs; answer and explain comparison questions (“how many more/less?”).
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement & Data)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students conduct quick class surveys, sort objects into categories, and keep tally marks to count. They then create simple bar graphs and use them to analyze results, answering “how many more/less” and telling short data stories. Emphasis is on clear labels, accurate counting, and explaining comparisons.
Essential Questions
- How do we collect and organize data into clear categories?
- What do tally marks and bar graphs show that a list does not?
- How can a graph help us answer “how many more/less” and explain our thinking?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Collect and categorize class data; record using tally marks.
- Construct a simple bar graph with title, category labels, and a sensible scale.
- Interpret a graph to answer wh-/how many questions.
- Solve “how many more/less” comparison questions using the graph (link to equations).
- Explain and justify conclusions using graph evidence and accurate vocabulary (MP.3).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (threaded across the unit)
- 1.MD.4: Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask/answer questions about the total number, how many in each category, and how many more/less are in one category than in another.
- 1.OA.1 (connection): Use addition/subtraction in word problems (including “how many more/less”) to 20.
- Mathematical Practices: MP.3 emphasized (construct arguments & critique); MP.6 (precision) and MP.5 (tools) threaded.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can make tally marks, label categories, and build a bar graph with a title.
- I can use my graph to tell how many and how many more/less.
- I can explain my answer and point to evidence on the graph.