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Year 8

Constructing bar charts by utilising technology

I can construct bar charts from data using technology.

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New
New
Year 8

Constructing bar charts by utilising technology

I can construct bar charts from data using technology.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Bar charts can be constructed quickly using spreadsheets.
  2. Bar charts can be constructed quickly using Desmos.
  3. A template file can be used to make bar chart creation quick and easy.

Keywords

  • Frequency - The frequency is the number of times an event occurs; or the number of individuals (people, animals etc.) with some specific property.

  • Bar chart - A bar chart (bar graph) is a graph consisting of bars visually representing the frequency of objects or groups.

  • Data - Data are a collection of information.

Common misconception

Pupils may select additional cells which will cause their chart to look strange.

They can edit the data selected or delete the chart and start again.

You may wish to set up your own data file to allow pupils to investigate all the formatting tools available.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A is a graph consisting of bars visually representing the frequency of objects or groups.
Correct Answer: bar graph, bar chart
Q2.
What is the frequency of 'planet' according to this bar chart?
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2
Correct answer: 4
6
Q3.
Starting with the least amount of time spent reading put the months in order from least to greatest.
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1 - month 2
2 - month 3
3 - month 1
Q4.
The had the same amount of visitors on both Saturday and Sunday.
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Correct Answer: theatre, Theatre
Q5.
Which charts represent this data?
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An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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Q6.
Frequency is always found on the vertical axis of a bar chart. True or false?
True - the categories are along the horizontal axis. e.g. food types
Correct answer: False - bar charts can be horizontal rather than vertical

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A file is used to support the creation of multiple charts with similar formatting and style.
Correct Answer: template
Q2.
Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are two examples of software.
Correct Answer: spreadsheet
Q3.
Put the steps for chart creation in order.
1 - Input data to the spreadsheet
2 - Select all the data to be included
3 - Click insert chart
4 - Choose desired chart i.e. pie chart or bar chart
5 - Edit formatting as required
Q4.
The frequency scale is auto generated by the software. Can it be changed?
Correct answer: Yes - nearly all of the parts of the bar chart can be changed using the editor.
No - it is auto generated and therefore fixed.
Q5.
When data has been copied into the spreadsheet software, each piece of data needs to be in its own cell and the list needs to be .
Correct Answer: vertical
Q6.
These buttons insert charts on MS Excel and Google Sheets respectively, but where can you find them?
An image in a quiz
Under 'View' on the top ribbon
Correct answer: Under 'Insert' on the top ribbon
Under 'Data' on the top ribbon
Correct answer: On the shortcut bar
On the right click options