Grade: Grade 1 Subject: Science Unit: Habitats Lesson: 4 of 6 ACT: Science

Data and Graphs: Counting Animal Homes

Learn

Scientists don't just look at animals - they also count and record what they see. This information is called data. We can use data to make graphs that help us understand animal habitats!

What is Data?

Data is information that we collect. When we count animals or observe their habitats, we are collecting data!

What is a Tally Chart?

A tally chart is a way to count things. We use marks to keep track of what we count.

  • | = 1
  • || = 2
  • ||| = 3
  • |||| = 4
  • |||| = 5 (we cross the fifth mark)

What is a Picture Graph?

A picture graph uses pictures to show data. Each picture stands for one thing we counted. Picture graphs help us see information quickly!

What is a Bar Graph?

A bar graph uses bars to show data. Taller bars mean more of something. Shorter bars mean less.

Why Do Scientists Use Graphs?

  • Graphs help us see patterns
  • Graphs help us compare things
  • Graphs help us share what we learned

Examples

Example 1: Tally Chart of Forest Animals

A scientist counted animals in a forest. Here is the tally chart:

AnimalTallyTotal
Squirrels|||| ||7
Birds|||| ||||10
Rabbits||||4
Deer||2

What does the data tell us? There were more birds than any other animal. There were fewer deer than any other animal.

Example 2: Picture Graph of Ocean Animals

Each picture = 1 animal

Fish: [fish] [fish] [fish] [fish] [fish] [fish] = 6

Crabs: [crab] [crab] [crab] = 3

Starfish: [starfish] [starfish] [starfish] [starfish] = 4

Seahorses: [seahorse] [seahorse] = 2

What does the data tell us? Fish are the most common animal. Seahorses are the least common.

Example 3: Reading a Bar Graph

This bar graph shows animals in a pond habitat:

Frogs: ======== (8)

Turtles: === (3)

Ducks: ====== (6)

Fish: ========== (10)

Questions we can answer:

  • Which animal has the most? Fish (10)
  • Which animal has the least? Turtles (3)
  • How many more fish than turtles? 10 - 3 = 7 more fish

Practice

Use what you learned about data and graphs to answer these questions!

1. What is data?

A) A type of animal   B) Information we collect   C) A kind of habitat   D) A color

2. In a tally chart, how do we show the number 5?

A) |||||   B) ||||   C) 5555   D) FIVE

3. Look at this tally: |||| ||   What number does it show?

A) 4   B) 5   C) 6   D) 7

4. A scientist counted: 5 birds, 3 squirrels, 8 ants. Which animal did she see the MOST?

A) Birds   B) Squirrels   C) Ants   D) They are all the same

5. Why do scientists use graphs?

A) To make things confusing   B) To see patterns and compare   C) To hide information   D) Because they are pretty

6. Use this picture graph to answer: How many butterflies were counted?

Butterflies: [butterfly] [butterfly] [butterfly] [butterfly] [butterfly]

Bees: [bee] [bee] [bee]

A) 3   B) 4   C) 5   D) 8

7. Using the same picture graph from question 6: How many MORE butterflies than bees?

A) 1   B) 2   C) 3   D) 5

8. Create a tally chart! Count these animals and make tallies:

Animals spotted: bird, bird, squirrel, bird, rabbit, squirrel, bird, rabbit, rabbit, squirrel

  • Birds: _____
  • Squirrels: _____
  • Rabbits: _____

9. In a bar graph, if one bar is TALLER than another, what does that mean?

A) There are fewer of that thing   B) There are more of that thing   C) They are the same   D) The bar is broken

10. Draw your own picture graph! Go outside or look out a window. Count animals you see for 5 minutes. Make a picture graph to show your data.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1: What is the difference between a tally chart and a picture graph?

Show Answer

A tally chart uses marks (lines) to count things. A picture graph uses small pictures to show the same information. Both help us organize data!

Question 2: A bar graph shows: Bears = 4, Wolves = 7, Foxes = 3. Which animal has the tallest bar?

Show Answer

Wolves have the tallest bar because there are 7 wolves - more than any other animal.

Question 3: Why is collecting data important for learning about habitats?

Show Answer

Collecting data helps us know exactly how many animals live in a habitat. It helps us see patterns, compare different habitats, and share what we learn with others.

Next Steps

  • Practice making tally charts when you count things at home or school
  • Look for graphs in books and ask: "What is this graph telling me?"
  • Continue to the next lesson to learn how to write about your discoveries using CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning)