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      Counting and comparing data

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can compare data using tally charts.

      Key learning points

      1. Data can be recorded in a tally chart.
      2. Tally charts can be used to count data.
      3. Totals can be compared in a tally chart.

      Keywords

      • Tally - counting by adding marks for each item

      • Data - numbers, words or pictures collected to learn something

      Common misconception

      All tally marks should look the same in a straight line.

      Every fifth mark in a tally chart should be placed diagonally across a group of four. We do this to make it easier to count the total.

      Teacher tip

      Use individual whiteboards to help pupils keep track of running totals, allowing them to correct mistakes easily and build confidence with counting data.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need whiteboards and pens.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How can you find out how many objects there are in a group?

      make a guess
      ask someone to help you
      Correct answer: count them

      Q2.
      Sam has 7 pens, Lucas has 2 pens and Jun has 4 pens. Who has the most pens?

      Correct answer: Sam
      Lucas
      Jun

      Q3.
      Sam has 7 pens, Lucas has 2 pens and Jun has 4 pens. How many pens are there in total?

      7
      4
      11
      Correct answer: 13

      Q4.
      What do all cars have in common?

      They are all the same colour.
      They are all the same size.
      Correct answer: They all have wheels.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How can you collect and record data?

      by telling a story
      Correct answer: using tally marks
      by making a good guess

      Q2.
      What information can you find from looking at a tally chart?

      Correct answer: what is the most popular
      Correct answer: what is the least popular
      the price of sweets
      the address of your school

      Q3.
      Can you match the keyword to the definition?

      Correct Answer:tally,counting by adding marks for each item
      Correct Answer:data,numbers, words or pictures collected to learn something

      Q4.
      What number is shown by a diagonal line?

      3
      Correct answer: 5
      7
      9

      To help you plan your 2 computing lesson on: Counting and comparing data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...