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      Sorting data to solve problems

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can sort and organise data to make it easier to understand.

      Key learning points

      1. Data can be sorted in different ways.
      2. Organising data makes it easier to understand.
      3. Different sorting choices make it easier to see different information from the same data.
      4. Patterns can appear when data is organised.

      Keywords

      • Sort - to organise data using a chosen rule

      • Organise - to arrange data so it is easier to understand

      • Pattern - something that repeats or changes in a clear way

      Common misconception

      There is only one correct way to sort data.

      Data can be sorted in different ways depending on the information you are trying to find.

      Teacher tip

      Use the same dataset in both unordered and ordered forms so students can clearly see how sorting by time changes how easy it is to understand the information.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
      Which of these helps you notice differences more easily?

      Correct answer: looking carefully
      guessing
      ignoring details

      Q2.
      Which piece of information would help answer the question: When did something happen?

      a colour
      Correct answer: a time
      a picture
      a sound

      Q3.
      Which of these is a place where information might be written down?

      a guess
      a feeling
      Correct answer: a timetable

      Q4.
      Which sentence is a fact?

      Correct answer: Ruby was seen at 09.15 am.
      I think Ruby escaped.
      Ruby might have run away.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What does sorting data involve?

      changing the data
      Correct answer: organising data using a rule
      guessing about the data

      Q2.
      What stays the same when data is sorted?

      the rule
      the order
      Correct answer: the data itself

      Q3.
      What is a pattern?

      a guess about data
      a mistake in the data
      Correct answer: something that repeats or changes in a clear way

      Q4.
      When are patterns most likely to appear?

      Correct answer: when data is organised clearly
      when data is removed
      when data is guessed

      To help you plan your 3 digital literacy lesson on: Sorting data to solve problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...