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Charts and Graphs: A Data Detective Case with Dot

Charts and Graphs: A Data Detective Case with Dot

Learn to read and draw charts and graphs: drag bars, plot time graph points and solve how many more and how many altogether questions.

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What you'll learn

  • The difference between discrete data (counted) and continuous data (measured)
  • How to read bar charts with scales of 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50
  • How to find the value of a bar that stops halfway between lines
  • How to choose a scale, add labels and draw an accurate bar chart
  • How to plot points on a time graph and join them with lines
  • How to use pictogram keys and tables to solve difference problems

Chapter by chapter

  1. Discrete and continuous data: counting or measuring? Free to try

    Year 4 maths · 1

  2. Reading bar charts with different scales

    Year 4 maths · 1

  3. Presenting data: drawing bar charts with a good scale

    Year 4 maths · 1

  4. Pictograms and tables: comparison, sum and difference

    Year 4 maths · 2

  5. Time graphs: reading and drawing change over time

    Year 4 maths · 1 Year 4 maths · 2

  6. Solving problems with bar charts and time graphs: comparison, sum and difference

    Year 4 maths · 2

  7. Data Detective Challenge (10 questions)

What the chapters cover in the national curriculum in England:

  1. Year 4 maths: Interpret and present discrete and continuous data using appropriate graphical methods, including bar charts and time graphs
  2. Year 4 maths: Solve comparison, sum and difference problems using information presented in bar charts, pictograms, tables and other graphs

About this adventure

Charts and Graphs is an interactive maths game that teaches children aged 8–10 how to read and present data in bar charts, pictograms, tables and time graphs, following Year 4 statistics in the national curriculum for England.

Guided by Dot the data detective, players sort discrete data (counted in whole numbers) from continuous data (measured, so it can be any amount in between). They check what a scale goes up in before reading a bar, work out halfway values, choose a scale that fits, drag bars to the right height, and plot points on a time graph before joining them with straight lines.

Players then type answers to how many more, how many fewer and altogether questions, learning that comparing means subtracting and finding a total means adding. Spoken narration, hints and worked answers support every step.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between discrete and continuous data?

Discrete data is counted in whole numbers, like the number of pets in a class, so you cannot have half of one. Continuous data is measured and can be any amount in between, like a plant's height or the temperature outside.

How do you read a bar chart with a scale?

First check what the scale goes up in, such as 5s or 10s, then go straight across from the top of the bar to the scale. If the bar stops halfway between two lines, find the number exactly halfway between them.

What is a time graph?

A time graph is a line graph that shows how something changes over time, such as the temperature during a school day. Time goes along the bottom, the measurement goes up the side, and the plotted points are joined with straight lines.

What age is this charts and graphs game for?

It is designed for children aged 8 to 10 and matches the Year 4 statistics objectives in the national curriculum for England. Children who need a reminder can start with the warm-up on pictograms and bar charts, and older children can use it for revision.

What does the game include and how long does it take?

The game has six chapters, a short Year 3 warm-up and a 10-question final challenge, taking about 45 minutes to play everything. Each chapter has spoken narration, hands-on activities, typed answers and hints, and can be played on its own.

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