5.9.A

Math5th Grade

The Standard

represent categorical data with bar graphs or frequency tables and numerical data, including data sets of measurements in fractions or decimals, with dot plots or stem-and-leaf plots

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students organize category data in frequency tables or bar graphs. They display numerical measurements, including fractions and decimals, on dot plots or stem and leaf plots. They select a display that matches the data type.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students choose a display that fits the type of data. Their graphs and tables include correct labels, even numerical scales, and one mark or count for every data value.

Common Misconceptions

Students may use a bar graph for measurements instead of categories. They may treat 2.5 and 2.50 as different values, space number scales unevenly, or misread place value in a stem and leaf plot.

How to Assess It

Give students the data 1.2, 1.5, 1.2, 1.8, 1.5, and 1.2. Ask them to make a labeled dot plot with an even scale.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Have pairs measure ten pencils to the nearest tenth of a centimeter, then build a class dot plot with sticky notes.

  2. Ask students to explain in writing why favorite lunch choices need a bar graph while pencil lengths need a dot plot.

  3. Give teams data cards to sort into categories, whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, then match each set to a suitable display.

  4. Survey classroom snack preferences and record a frequency table, then graph the results as a bar graph for a class decision.

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