Graphs, Charts, and Tables Lesson Plan: Objectives
Graphs, Charts, and Tables Lesson Plan: Objectives
Lesson Plan
Background Information
Tables and charts display data and statistics in an easily understood format by
organizing information in columns and rows. To use tables and charts, students
must be able to use the title, column, and row headings. Another way to provide
information in an accessible format is with graphs.
The most common types of graphs are:
Objectives • Circle graphs - typically used to display parts of a whole, where the whole equals
100%.
At the end of the graphs, charts, • Bar graphs - used to compare or contrast values.
and tables lesson, students will • Line graphs - used to show trends or changes over time.
be able to:
• Interpret and compare data Vocabulary for this topic is found in the GED Connection Mathematics workbook,
from graphs (including circle, p. 194 and 214.
bar, and line graphs), charts,
and tables. This lesson should take approximately 2 hours to complete, if all components are
utilized.
Video
Set up the video by reminding students that data is information and information is
power. How do we make the data interesting and meaningful?
Show the video Tables.
Before watching the next video, remind students that they must understand what is be-
ing asked, then work strategically. Some problems do not ask for specific information;
they want the “big picture” instead. To find what the data means, or what the data is
telling us, we may find graphs and charts more useful.
Show the video Graphs and Charts.
Introduce the next video by saying, “This video segment tells us about circle graphs,
often called pie charts, and pictographs.”
Show the video Circle Graphs.
Before the next video, remind the students that another popular way to show informa-
tion is in a line graph. Point out that each type of graph is designed to show different
kinds of information, and ask them to listen to determine what type of information is
best shown by a line graph.
Show the video Line Graph.
Finally, introduce the last video by emphasizing the need for careful reading of the
labels and scales to avoid common errors. This video shows an example of a graph with
negative values, and cautions readers to be aware of how data can be shown in ways
intended to persuade instead of inform.
Show the video Graphing Negative Values.
Online Activities
Further practice can be found online at PBS LiteracyLink website at
www.pbs.org/literacy.
For more resources and an overview of the 2002 GED® test, click
www.gedmathstrategies.com.
Test Tips:
• Graphs, charts, and tables are not only found on the Math test, but also on the Social Stud-
ies and Science tests.
• Read titles carefully. They tell us the subject of the chart, graph, or table.
• Read axis labels carefully to determine what is explained about the subject.
• Read any keys, captions, or notes to help you interpret symbols, colors, or other devices
used to describe the information about the subject.
• Learn to read the scales of the axes to avoid errors.
GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education. Used under license.