D1.3 Select from among a variety of graphs, including histograms and broken-line graphs, the type of graph best suited to represent various sets of data; display the data in the graphs with proper sources, titles, and labels, and appropriate scales; and justify their choice of graphs.
Activity 1: Choose the Appropriate Graph to Represent a Set of Data
Here are two tables.
Table 1
Maple Syrup Production in Ontario
| Year | Production (Kilolitres) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1309 |
| 2011 | 2218 |
| 2012 | 1023 |
| 2013 | 2041 |
| 2014 | 1673 |
| 2015 | 1677 |
| 2016 | 1809 |
| 2017 | 1932 |
| 2018 | 2114 |
| 2019 | 2282 |
| 2020 | 2123 |
| 2021 | 2100 |
Source: Data from Statistics Canada
(CANSIM Table No. 32-10-0354-01)
Table 2
Age of Students Attending the Next Generation Dance School
| Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 years | 1309 |
| 6 to 8 years | 2218 |
| 9 to 11 years | 1023 |
| 12 to 14 years | 2041 |
| 15 to 17 years | 1673 |
| 18 to 20 years | 1677 |
| 20 years and over | 1809 |
Source: Students of the Next Generation Dance Studio
Ask students to determine which type of graph would best represent the set of data in Table 1 and the set of data in Table 2. Invite students to explain their reasoning.
Activity 2: Represent Data Using an Appropriate Graph
Citizens want to participate in the next municipal meeting in hopes of convincing Council to widen the highway. To do this, they conducted a survey of the public to show that widening the highway would save them time commuting to and from work.
Number of Minutes on the Road to Get to Work
| Number of Minutes | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Less than 20 minutes | 5863 |
| 20 to 40 minutes | 11 009 |
| 41 to 60 minutes | 31 402 |
| More than 60 minutes | 25 962 |
Source: citizens of Beauséjour municipality
Ask students to represent the data collected using an appropriate graph. Remind them that their graph should include the following elements:
- the source of the data collected;
- titles;
- labels;
- an appropriate scale.
Then invite students to justify their choice of graph.