Zearn Math Grade 3, Mission 6: Data
In this unit, your child collects and shows data. Children draw and read scaled picture graphs and bar graphs, answer how many more and how many fewer, and measure lengths to the nearest quarter inch to build line plots. The fractions from the last unit show up on the ruler, and the next unit solves word problems about shapes and measurement.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 6?
- Making and reading picture graphs and bar graphs with a scale greater than 1, and answering how-many-more and how-many-fewer questions. Learn more: Reading picture graphs and bar graphs
- Measuring lengths to the nearest quarter inch with a ruler and plotting them on a line plot marked in halves and fourths. 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
- Tally the kinds of birds or dogs you see on a walk, then draw a bar graph together where each square stands for 2.
- Ask how-many-more questions about your graph, such as 'How many more robins than sparrows did we see?' and check the answer by subtracting.
- Measure family members' fingers or a handful of pencils to the nearest quarter inch and build a line plot of the results together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Guessing at a bar that ends between grid lines, such as reading halfway between 10 and 20 as 11 or 19.
- Adding the two amounts when asked how many more, instead of finding the difference by subtracting.
- Confusing half-inch and quarter-inch marks, reading the mark halfway between 2 and 3 as 2 1/4 instead of 2 1/2.
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.
- tally
- A quick mark used to keep count, often bundled in groups of five.
- 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.
- 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 reading graphs?
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.
Join the club
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 Zearn Math Grade 3 Mission 6 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 3 Mission 6 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.