Turn data and graphing into a sweet success with our Smarties Data & Graphing Activities! This fun and hands-on resource is the perfect way to introduce or consolidate early graphing skills while keeping students engaged with colourful, tangible data. With just a packet of Smarties and this printable pack, you’ll have everything you need to create a meaningful and memorable maths lesson.

Students begin by sorting their Smarties by colour using the included sorting mat, then collect, tally, and represent the data using a variety of graphing sheets. Tasks focus on basic data collection, bar graphing, tally marks, patterning, and early comparison language. Each activity builds key data literacy and number skills in a visual and highly motivating way.

Smarties Data & Graphing Activities includes seven printable sheets in both colour and black-and-white formats, allowing for flexibility depending on your printing needs. It’s perfect for whole-class lessons, small group rotations or as a fun end-of-week data investigation. Whether you use mini Smarties boxes or full-size packets split into cups, this resource makes graphing deliciously engaging!

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Sort, count and record data using tally marks
• ✅ Represent data using a bar graph
• ✅ Use comparative language such as more than, less than and equal to
• ✅ Identify patterns and describe data using mathematical vocabulary
• ✅ Develop data literacy through hands-on exploration

What’s Included:

• Sorting mat (in colour and black-and-white)
• Graphing grid (in colour and black-and-white)
• Smarties maths activity page – includes tallying, graphing and patterning tasks
• “Which has more?” graphing worksheet for basic comparison
• “Less than, greater than, equal to” worksheet for comparative thinking

Materials Needed:

• 1 small packet of Smarties per student (or cup of mixed Smarties)
• Printed activity sheets
• Pencils or markers for recording and colouring graphs
• Optional: tweezers for added fine motor practise during sorting

How to Use:

1. Distribute Smarties to students and have them sort by colour using the sorting mat.
2. Guide students to record their data using tally marks and transfer results into a bar graph.
3. Use follow-up activity sheets to practise comparing data (e.g. more than, less than, equal to).
4. Encourage students to look for patterns in their colours and describe what they notice.
5. Celebrate with a sweet treat at the end – if school policy allows!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a fun, hands-on task at the end of your data unit
• 💡 Set up as a maths rotation activity with independent sorting and graphing
• 💡 Use as a reward-based lesson or celebration of learning day
• 💡 Include in STEM week or maths day events for added excitement
• 💡 Create a whole-class graph to compare results across the room

Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Preview the Smarties colours with students and model how to organise and tally them
• 💛 Consider food allergy policies – substitute with coloured buttons, cubes or paper circles if needed
• 💛 Laminate the sorting mat for repeated use with counters or tokens
• 💛 Challenge students to write their own questions based on their graph (“Which colour had the most?” “How many more reds than greens?”)
• 💛 Encourage discussion about probability – “Why are some colours more common?”

Smarties Data & Graphing Activities is a colourful, creative and hands-on way to explore maths – turning sweet treats into strong data skills your students will love!