Description

Students often struggle with deciding which type of graph is the best choice for different types of data. In this 5e Explore activity students work collaboratively to complete a card sort. Students are challenged to figure out the image of a graph, description of when it is best to use that graph style, data in tables, and research questions that best work for different types of Graphs: Line Graph, Bar Graph, Pie Chart, or Scatter Plot.

This card sort can also be used as an formative assessment for a 5e Evaluate activity based on how much coaching is provided by the teacher and the questions asked by the teacher.

USING the Card Sort

I print out the decks(pages 3-7) on to card stock for more durability and make one set per group of 3-5 students.

There are three versions available: color graphs, black and while graphs (swap out page 4 for page 10) and an extra small “ink and paper saver” size (3 pages instead of 5 pages).

I did include an alternative category title of X-Y Plot that can be switched out for the Scatter Plot in addition to 2 blank cards for you to customize the sort if desired (on page 14)

Modifications for lower students

Option A: Students can be given a deck with only three categories (Scatter Plot, Bar Graph and Pie Chart) to sort, They can be given fewer questions and data tables to sort into these categories.

Option B: Print out the extra small cards on pages 11 and 12 for students to cut, sort, and glue onto large construction paper

Modifications for higher students

Option A: Have students brainstorm additional questions that would generate data for each of the four types of graphs. I have included cards on page 14 to add into the sort or you could ask students to put the questions onto post-it notes.

Contains a PDF File with

Cover, TOU (2 pages)

Teacher Notes (1 page)

Graph Types Card Sort (10 Pages total)