Alien Bar Graph Adventure!

Math Grades 1st Grade 6:49 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's explore bar graphs using funny aliens! Learn how to read and compare information on a bar graph to answer questions about alien heights.

Video Resource

Bar Graphs for Kids | Math for 2nd Grade | Kids Academy

Kids Academy

Duration: 6:49
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Bar graphs represent data visually.
  • Each bar on a graph represents a category.
  • The height of a bar indicates the quantity for that category.
  • Bar graphs can be used to compare different categories.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the parts of a bar graph (labels, bars, scale).
  • Students will be able to read and interpret data from a bar graph.
  • Students will be able to compare data points on a bar graph to answer questions.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about graphs. Explain that a bar graph is a special way to show information using bars. Introduce the concept of comparing things using pictures and then transitioning to a bar graph as a more organized way to compare.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Kids Academy video 'Bar Graphs for Kids'. Ask students to pay attention to how the aliens' heights are shown on the graph.
  • Graph Exploration (10 mins)
    After the video, review the parts of the bar graph (title, labels, bars, height scale). Discuss what each part tells us about the aliens. Guide students to identify the tallest and shortest aliens based on the bar graph.
  • Guided Practice (8 mins)
    Work through example questions similar to those in the video. For instance, 'Which alien is 61 inches tall?' or 'How much taller is Paul than Sally?' Encourage students to use the bar graph to find the answers.
  • Independent Practice (5 mins)
    Give students a simple bar graph (either pre-made or one they create together as a class about a favorite topic, like favorite fruits). Have them answer questions about it independently.

Interactive Exercises

  • Alien Height Challenge
    Provide a blank bar graph template. Have students color in the bars to represent the heights of different aliens based on given data. For example: Zorp is 60 inches tall, Flip is 58 inches tall.
  • Classroom Objects Graph
    As a class, pick a few classroom objects (pencils, erasers, books). Have students vote for their favorite. Create a bar graph together on the board to show the results.

Discussion Questions

  • What does each bar on the graph tell us?
  • How can we use the graph to find the tallest alien?
  • How can we use the graph to find the shortest alien?
  • How does the height of each bar help us to compare things?

Skills Developed

  • Data interpretation
  • Comparison
  • Problem-solving
  • Visual representation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does a bar graph use to show information?

Correct Answer: Bars

Question 2:

What does the height of the bar tell us?

Correct Answer: The amount

Question 3:

If a bar is very tall, does it show a lot or a little?

Correct Answer: A lot

Question 4:

Which alien is the shortest?

Correct Answer: The one with the smallest bar

Question 5:

What is this lesson about?

Correct Answer: Reading Bar Graphs

Question 6:

On the bar graph, what do the names at the bottom tell us?

Correct Answer: The labels

Question 7:

If Paul is 61 inches tall and Sally is 59 inches tall, who is taller?

Correct Answer: Paul

Question 8:

Which of these can a bar graph help us do?

Correct Answer: Compare things

Question 9:

Omar is 58 inches tall and Zach is 62 inches tall. Who is taller?

Correct Answer: Zach

Question 10:

If a bar is longer than another bar, what does that mean?

Correct Answer: It means it's bigger

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A _________ graph uses bars to show information.

Correct Answer: bar

Question 2:

The ______ of the bar tells us how much there is.

Correct Answer: height

Question 3:

If a bar is very short, it shows a ________ amount.

Correct Answer: small

Question 4:

We can _________ things using a bar graph.

Correct Answer: compare

Question 5:

The bar graph in the video shows the height of ________.

Correct Answer: aliens

Question 6:

The names at the bottom of the graph tell us who the _______ are.

Correct Answer: aliens

Question 7:

If Sally is 59 inches tall and Paul is 61 inches tall, Paul is __________ than Sally.

Correct Answer: taller

Question 8:

The numbers on the side help us see how _________ each alien is.

Correct Answer: tall

Question 9:

Zach is the ________ alien on the graph.

Correct Answer: tallest

Question 10:

Graphs like this help us understand information in an ________ way.

Correct Answer: easy

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4:Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another. 1.OA.A.1:[Objective] Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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