L5 · The story a representation tells (incl. First Nations, Métis and Inuit representations of data); answering the question

Learning goal

“I can read the story a representation tells - what is most, what is least, and how groups compare - and use it to answer the statistical question that was asked. I can also examine representations of data made by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.”

Representation — a way of showing data so others can read it: a dot plot, a bar graph, a table, or a record of pictures.

Interpret — to read a representation and say what it tells: what is most, what is least, and what it means.

Winter count — a record kept by some Plains First Nations peoples. One picture was drawn for each year, standing for the most important event of that year.

Worked example

A class asked: "Which school-fair activity do students choose most?" Their bar graph (axis counting by 1s) has bars stopping at: Face painting - 12; Games - 9; Crafts - 7; Snacks - 10. Step 1: Find the extremes. The tallest bar is Face painting (12) - chosen most. The shortest bar is Crafts (7) - chosen least. Step 2: Fill in the middle. Snacks (10) is second. Games (9) is third. Step 3: Count the whole story. In all, 12 + 9 + 7 + 10 = 38 students answered. Step 4: ANSWER THE QUESTION. The question asked which activity students choose most. The story answers it: face painting, chosen by 12 students. Say it plainly: a representation tells a story - most, least, and in between - and the story is finished only when it answers the question that started the investigation.

Check yourself — explain it

Why is "Face painting was chosen most" a better ending than just listing all four counts?

Paired problem — example still visible

Using the fair graph: which activity was chosen by exactly 9 students? -> Games

Faded completion — last step is yours

"The story of a graph names what is ___, what is ___, and then answers the ___." -> most; least; question

Ready to practise?

10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

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