Reveal Math Grade 3, Unit 8: Data
In this unit, your child reads and makes scaled picture graphs and bar graphs, where one symbol or square can stand for several things, and answers how many more or how many fewer. Children also measure lengths to the nearest quarter inch and show them on a line plot. It follows the shapes unit, and the next unit measures liquid volume and mass.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Drawing and reading picture graphs and bar graphs with a scale, such as each square standing for 2, and solving how-many-more problems. Learn more: Reading picture graphs and bar graphs
- Measuring objects to the nearest half or quarter inch and showing the measurements on a line plot marked in fractions of an inch. Learn more: Measuring to the nearest quarter inch
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Look at the bar graph. How many more students chose Green as their favorite color than Blue?
- 10
- 4
- 6
How you can help
- Survey the family about favorite fruits, make a bar graph where each square stands for 2 votes, and ask how many more chose the top fruit than the last one.
- Measure a few pencils, or leaves picked up on a walk, to the nearest quarter inch and mark each length with an X on a line plot.
- Look at a graph in a newspaper or a kids' magazine together and ask your child to read the key or the scale before saying any numbers.
Where kids can get stuck
- Ignoring the key and counting each picture as 1, so 4 stars worth 5 books each reads as 4 books instead of 20.
- Adding when a question asks how many more, so 30 books and 20 books gives 50 instead of 10.
- Spacing a line plot unevenly or leaving off fractions with no data, so the plot looks misleading.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- data
- Information collected, such as counts or measurements.
- picture graph
- A graph that uses pictures to show data, with a key telling what each picture means.
- bar graph
- A graph that uses bars of different lengths to show and compare data.
- scale
- The numbers along a graph's side, or the marks on a measuring tool.
- key
- The part of a picture graph that tells how many each picture stands for.
- category
- A group the data is sorted into, like favorite fruits.
- line plot
- A number line with an X above it for each piece of data.
- quarter inch
- One fourth of an inch; four quarter inches make 1 inch.
Want to help your child master graphs and data?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Reveal Math Grade 3 Unit 8 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 3 Unit 8 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.