I want to talk about circle graphs today. Circle graphs are fun to introduce because most teachers introduce them by comparing them to a pizza and what kid (and adult) doesn't like pizza?
Circle graphs are more "complex" than bar graphs. You "can turn the numbers into percents and then sketch a circle graph" or you "can turn them into degrees and make the graph with a protractor."
The grade students begin to use protractors is a good age to begin creating circle graphs using degrees. It's good practice of circle graphs, geometry, and measurements and data.
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| A standard protractor (fairly inexpensive, less than $5.00) |
Bar graphs and circle graphs have different advantages and advantages. One student may prefer a circle graph and another might prefer a bar graph to depict the same data. It's not a matter of what's right or wrong, but preference...and understanding the pros and cons of each. This is a perfect example of why it's important to support more than one way of thinking, not to push one method (your preferred method). One activity you could possibly do to compare and contrast circle & bar graphs is to have two sets of data (one ideally better suited for a bar graph and one ideally better suited for a circle graph). Instruct the students create a bar and circle graph of each sets of data and choose which one helps them answer a set of questions better. Then you can have them analyze their results and explain why they came up with those results. After there can be a class discussion over the two types of graphs. Critical thinking is necessary in all subjects and unfortunately math is sometimes forgotten.
Carpe diem,
Cass
* Links to other helpful websites about bar circle graphs (or pie charts/graphs):
1) Pie Chart -
http://www.mathsisfun.com/data/pie-charts.html
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