Statistics Foundation · Lesson 1.4
Tables and graphs.
Tables and graphs are the first tools for making data readable. This lesson shows how to build frequency tables, choose suitable graphs, read patterns carefully and avoid misleading displays.
90 minute lesson plan
Learn to communicate data clearly.
A table gives exact values. A graph gives pattern. A strong statistical explanation uses both. This lesson teaches students to choose displays that match the variable type and support honest interpretation.
0–10 min
Why tables and graphs matter
Understand that tables and graphs are not decoration. They are tools for organising, checking and communicating data.
10–25 min
Frequency tables
Learn counts, relative frequencies, percentages, cumulative frequencies and grouped tables.
25–45 min
Graphs for categorical data
Use bar charts, ordered bar charts, stacked bars and avoid misleading category displays.
45–65 min
Graphs for numerical data
Use dot plots, histograms, boxplots and line graphs to understand distribution, spread and unusual values.
65–80 min
Visual studio
Adjust skewness, categories, sample size and outliers to see how the display changes.
80–95 min
Practice and quiz
Choose suitable displays, explain what they show, and identify misleading graph choices.
Mastery checklist
By the end, you should be able to defend your visual choice.
Build frequency, relative frequency and percentage tables.
Choose bar charts for categorical variables.
Choose histograms and boxplots for numerical variables.
Explain what a graph shows about shape, centre and spread.
Identify misleading graph choices.
Write a clear interpretation from a table and graph.