CLASSROOM LESSON 2:
Line Graphs

BOOK TITLE: The Landry News
AUTHOR: Andrew Clements
LESSON PLAN AUTHOR : Christopher Rodgers

GRADE LEVEL: 4-5
LESSON DURATION: 45-60 Minutes

OBJECTIVE

• Students will create and interpret line graphs.

• Students will analyze data and decide if a single or double line graph is needed.

MATERIALS/MEDIA LIST

• Transparency: Download PDF

• Line graph examples: Download PDF

• Blank graph for teacher modeling: Download PDF

• Blank student graph: Download PDF

• Double line graph homework sheet: Download PDF

NEW INFORMATION/MOTIVATION

• On the overhead, show the students the first half of the following transparency.  The first half of the transparency shows the class’s pretend average spelling score for the last 9 weeks of school. 

• Ask the students by looking at the list if they can tell the class is doing better or getting worse.

• It should take most people in the class a little while to decide.

• Then show the students the same information in the line graph on the second half of the transparency. Ask them the same question.

• The students will be able to answer quicker.

• Ask them why they were able to come up with the answer quicker after looking at the line graph.

• Tell the students line graphs are an easy way to look at change in data over time.

MODELING

• Show students the following line graph examples from The Landry News.  Discuss the differences between a single line graph and a double line graph.

• A single line graph is great for showing change over time in one category.

• A double line graph is great for showing change over time in two categories and comparing them.

• Model for the students how to make a line graph.  You can use the following Blank Graph for teacher modeling or use one of your own.   The following blank graph is for height (inches) of a child from birth to 9 years old. 

• Be sure to label and discuss the parts of the graph:  Title, x and y axis, and scale.

• Once the graph is made, on the same graph choose another color for a second line and graph the growth of a second child. 

• Then compare the two children.  You may want to ask questions like:  How much taller was child one at 5 years old than child two?  At what age were the children the same height? If the graphs keep going, about how tall will child one be at 10 years of age?

PRACTICE/APPLICATION

• Give the students a list of their last 5 grades in a certain subject.

• The students will need to create a line graph using their data.

• They can use the following blank student graph, or one you give them.

• They will need to include:  Title, x and y axis, scale, and all appropriate labels.

• At the end of the graph there will be a question asking students to analyze how they are doing in the subject.

• This is a meaningful exercise.  It allows the students to see a visual of how they are doing.  For many students it will allow them to see how they are improving or show them they need to put forth more effort.

EVALUATION

• Students’ graphs will be analyzed to see if they labeled everything correctly, and plotted their data appropriately. 

• There is also a Double line graph worksheet to be used an optional homework assignment.

CLOSURE

• Have students explain when they might use their graphing skills
  

NCTAM Standard: Data Analysis and Probability Standard

In grades 3–5 all students should be able to:

• design investigations to address a question and consider how data-collection methods affect the nature of the data set;

• collect data using observations, surveys, and experiments;

• represent data using tables and graphs such as line plots, bar graphs, and line graphs;

• recognize the differences in representing categorical and numerical data.