Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Purpose of Statistics.
Topic: DATA COLLECTION
Subject Matter: Pictorial representation of data, bar chart, line graph
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define pictorial representation of data, bar chart, and line graph.
- Identify the components of a pictogram, bar chart, and line graph.
- State the uses of pictorial representation, bar charts, and line graphs.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of representing data visually.
- Develop an interest in interpreting different types of graphs.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Draw simple pictograms using given data and a key.
- Construct simple bar charts from a given set of data.
- Sketch simple line graphs to show trends.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers to interpret data presented in various forms.
- Share ideas on how data representation helps in understanding information.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- New General Mathematics for Junior Secondary Schools 1
- https://www.study.com/academy/lesson/data-representation-methods-examples.html
- https://www.statpac.com/statistics-glossary/data-representation.htm
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Charts showing examples of pictograms, bar charts, and line graphs.
- Graph papers, rulers, pencils, and erasers.
- Real-life examples of data (e.g., number of students present in a week, favorite fruits of classmates).
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand how to organize and present information in a clear and visual way. Learning about pictograms, bar charts, and line graphs enables pupils to interpret data easily and make sense of quantities and trends in everyday situations.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have basic knowledge of counting, comparing quantities, and collecting simple data.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
DATA COLLECTION
Pictorial Representation of Data (Pictogram)
A pictorial representation of data, also known as a pictogram, uses pictures or symbols to represent data. Each picture or symbol represents a certain number of items, as indicated by a key.
Characteristics of a Pictogram:
- Uses symbols to represent data.
- Must have a clear title.
- Includes a key to show what each symbol represents.
- Symbols are usually arranged in rows or columns.
Example: If one apple symbol () represents 5 apples, then
represents 15 apples.
Bar Charts
A bar chart is a graph that uses rectangular bars to represent data. The length or height of each bar is proportional to the value it represents. Bar charts are used to compare different categories of data.
Characteristics of a Bar Chart:
- Has a title.
- Has two axes: a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis).
- One axis represents categories, and the other represents frequency or quantity.
- Bars are usually of equal width.
- There are equal spaces between the bars (for discrete data).
- The scale on the frequency axis must be consistent.
Steps to Construct a Bar Chart:
- Draw two perpendicular lines (axes).
- Label the horizontal axis with the categories and the vertical axis with the frequency/quantity.
- Choose a suitable scale for the frequency axis.
- Draw bars of equal width for each category, with the height corresponding to its frequency.
- Ensure there are equal gaps between bars.
- Give the chart a suitable title.
Line Graphs
A line graph is a graph that uses points connected by lines to show how a quantity changes over time or across a continuous range. It is particularly useful for showing trends.
Characteristics of a Line Graph:
- Has a title.
- Has two axes: a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis).
- The horizontal axis often represents time or a continuous variable.
- The vertical axis represents the quantity being measured.
- Points are plotted according to the data and then joined by straight line segments.
- The scale on both axes must be consistent.
Steps to Construct a Line Graph:
- Draw two perpendicular lines (axes).
- Label the horizontal axis (e.g., time, days) and the vertical axis (e.g., temperature, number).
- Choose appropriate scales for both axes.
- Plot the data points on the graph according to their values.
- Join the plotted points with straight lines.
- Give the graph a suitable title.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils how they can show information like the number of pupils who prefer different subjects using pictures or simple drawings. The teacher then introduces the topic of data collection and representation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by suggesting ways to represent information visually, like drawing or counting.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of data representation.
Step 2: Pictorial Representation of Data (Pictogram)
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a pictogram is, its characteristics, and demonstrates how to read and draw a simple pictogram using a chart or board example. The teacher emphasizes the importance of the key.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the examples, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what a pictogram is and how to interpret it.
Step 3: Bar Charts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a bar chart is, its characteristics, and demonstrates how to construct a simple bar chart from given data on the board, pointing out the axes, labels, and scale.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and take notes, asking questions about the construction process.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about bar charts and the steps to draw them.
Step 4: Line Graphs
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a line graph is, its characteristics, and demonstrates how to plot points and draw a simple line graph to show a trend, such as daily temperature changes, using a board example.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the explanation and demonstration, noting how points are plotted and connected.
Learning Point: Pupils understand line graphs and their use in showing trends.
Step 5: Practice and Discussion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaborative Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides simple data sets and asks pupils to discuss in pairs how they would represent the data using a pictogram, bar chart, or line graph.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss with their partners and share their ideas with the class.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding to choose appropriate data representation methods.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is a pictogram?
- Mention two characteristics of a bar chart.
- When is a line graph most suitable for representing data?
- What is the purpose of a key in a pictogram?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the main points about pictograms, bar charts, and line graphs and their importance in data representation. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to draw a simple bar chart from a given data set.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of the various data representation methods.
Home Task: Solve three new exercises on DATA COLLECTION. Show each step and check each answer.
Lesson Keywords
- Data – Facts or figures collected for analysis.
- Pictogram – A graph using pictures or symbols to represent data.
- Bar Chart – A graph using rectangular bars to compare categories of data.
- Line Graph – A graph that uses points connected by lines to show change over time.
- Key – An explanation of the symbols used in a pictogram.
- Axes – The horizontal (x) and vertical (y) lines that form the framework of a graph.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide more complex data sets for them to represent. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide pre-drawn axes or partially completed graphs to guide them, offering one-on-one assistance as needed.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Teachers should ensure they have clear, visual examples of each type of data representation. Encourage pupils to bring real-life examples of graphs they find in newspapers or magazines to make the lesson more relatable. Emphasize neatness and accuracy when drawing graphs.

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