Collect and organise data
A clear starting point, worked steps and space to practise.
Start here
Collecting data means asking or observing, then recording what you find.
One answer needs one mark. Check the number of marks matches the people asked.
1 Work through these steps
- Ask one simple question.
- Let each person answer once.
- Make one mark for each answer.
- Count the groups and compare them.
2 Follow a worked example
Three children choose apples and two choose bananas. Each child chooses once. How many children answered?
Reduce diagram
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- There are 3 apple answers.
- There are 2 banana answers.
- 3 + 2 = 5 children answered.
3 Try it yourself
Show each step on paper or open Working out. Then check the answer.
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Four children say yes and one says no. How many answered?
Check answer 1
Answer: 5 children
4 + 1 = 5.
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Working out
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Check your understanding
Explain the worked example in your own words. Say why the method works, not just what the answer is.
Skills and explanation links
Key ideas taught here
- Collecting data means asking or observing, then recording what you find.
- One answer needs one mark. Check the number of marks matches the people asked.
Method and checking
For parents and teachers
- Ask your child to explain the method aloud before writing the answer.
- Use a real-life context at home, such as shopping, cooking, sport scores, maps or timetables.
- Praise clear working and checking, not only speed.
- Use counters, blocks, drawings and everyday objects before moving to written symbols.
Practise choosing a method from the information in the question. The examples here are Pi Leo Academy learning activities. Official NAPLAN testing takes place in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9; a topic appearing in these notes does not mean it is tested in NAPLAN.
These notes provide guided examples and practice; they do not certify completion of every curriculum requirement.