Montana Math MT.1.MD.5
The Standard
Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories by: Asking and answering questions about the total number of data points, Identifying how many are in each category, and Analyzing differences between categories.
2026 Montana Mathematics Content Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students sort answers into up to three groups and show each answer with one mark or object. They ask and answer questions about each group, the total, and how many more or fewer are in one group.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student records each answer in the right group and counts every mark once. They can find the total and show how they compared two groups to find the difference.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may give the count for one group when asked for the total, or count the same mark twice. They may name the larger group without finding how many more it has.
How to Assess It
- Give students a chart showing 5 apple votes, 3 banana votes, and 2 pear votes. Ask them to write each count, the total, and how many more chose apples than pears.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have students place one cube each in apple, banana, or pear columns, then count all cubes and compare two columns.
Show a chart with 5 apple, 3 banana, and 2 pear votes, and ask students to explain how many more chose apples than pears.
In pairs, draw a red, blue, or green card ten times, make a tally chart, then quiz each other on totals and differences.
Count red, blue, and yellow crayons in the class bin, make a tally chart, and find how many more red than blue.
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Printable MT.1.MD.5 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to MT.1.MD.5, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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