Ladybird Count

This problem offers children some raw data that they have not had to collect themselves. This has some advantages: you know that everyone has the same information without worrying about the accuracy of their recording methods. This means the focus can be analysis and representation rather than collection.

 

First, the children need to begin to make sense of the situation. It is probably helpful to ask them to think about the pictures using the 'What do you notice?' and 'What questions would you like to ask?' prompts. (You may find it useful to give out copies of this sheet, which shows pictures of all the children's cards.) Offer them plenty of opportunities to think, without insisting on quick answers.

 

After they have had this chance, find out their ideas. You will find that children's 'noticings' will be very varied, and try to welcome this individuality. Many comments may not be mathematical, but this does not matter at all at this stage. It is important that learners do not feel that there are right and wrong noticings, instead all their observations are valid.

 

You could create a list of their questions for all to see. You may find that the question of how many ladybirds each child has comes up naturally, but if not you can choose either to pursue one of the children's own questions, or pose that question yourself.

 

From this point the problem concentrates on how the data could be represented. Be prepared to consider a variety of responses: the solutions do not need to be bar charts or pictograms. Their suggestions will provide insights into the children's own methods of recording. Engaging in conversation with them about their representation may be essential and this is a great way to probe their previous experiences of handling and recording data.

 

The resulting representations would make a meaningful display.

How many ladybirds does each child have?

How could you show that on a picture or chart?

Some children could be challenged to show the information in more than one way. They may even be able to articulate which representation they think is best and why. In addition, they may like to try to pose and answer their own question about the pictures. 

Some children may prefer to represent their ideas using media other than paper, for example cubes, counters etc.