Are your students learning to collect and represent data? The Investigating Data: Picture Graph Worksheets offer a fun, interactive way for learners to explore data collection through class surveys and bring that information to life with engaging picture graphs.

These hands-on worksheets allow students to practise using tally marks to gather data and then represent it clearly through symbols. By surveying ten classmates on a given topic, learners not only collect authentic data but also engage in interpreting real-world information. The visual nature of picture graphs makes this a fantastic early introduction to statistics – bridging the gap between numbers and meaning.

Ideal for maths rotations, small group investigations or independent work, the Investigating Data: Picture Graph Worksheets provide opportunities for students to identify the most and least popular responses, build analytical thinking skills, and even generate their own data-based questions. With eight themes included, there’s plenty of variety to suit diverse learning interests and classroom goals.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Collect data through peer surveys using tally marks
• ✅ Organise collected data and represent it as a picture graph
• ✅ Interpret results to determine the most and least popular choices
• ✅ Build early analytical thinking and data interpretation skills
• ✅ Create and answer questions based on collected data

What’s Included:

• 8 themed survey and picture graph worksheets covering various topics
• Clear instructions for conducting peer surveys and recording tally marks
• Pre-designed picture graph templates for student use
• Opportunities for analysing data through written responses

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (one per student or small group)
• Pencils or coloured markers
• Clipboards (optional – helpful for surveying around the room)

How to Use:

1. Select a worksheet theme that aligns with current interests or curriculum focus.
2. Review how to use tally marks and model one example as a class if needed.
3. Have students survey ten classmates and tally their responses accurately.
4. Guide students in transferring their tallied data into a picture graph using symbols.
5. Ask students to interpret the graph by answering questions about what it shows.
6. Encourage students to write their own questions based on their data for extension.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as part of a data and graphing unit to reinforce key concepts
• 💡 Set up a rotating station with different worksheets for student choice
• 💡 Pair with oral language sessions where students discuss findings
• 💡 Use a worksheet to create a whole-class graph together before independent work

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Enlarge worksheets to A3 for younger students or visual learners
• 💛 Allow students to colour-code their graphs for visual clarity and engagement
• 💛 Have students present their data and findings to the class to build confidence and communication skills
• 💛 Extend learning by having students compare and contrast their graphs with a partner’s

Investigating Data: Picture Graph Worksheets offer a meaningful way to introduce statistics and bring data to life – one tally, one question, and one picture graph at a time!