Creating Dot Plots and Histograms: 6th Grade Statistics and Graphing

Generate an original statistical survey question with 6-8 numerical answer options.

Collect and tally data from at least 20 survey respondents.

Construct a dot plot from collected data with correctly labeled axes and a title.

Construct a histogram from collected data with correctly labeled axes and a title.

Compare dot plots and histograms and reflect on which chart type is easier to read.

Review the two worked question examples (number of siblings, commute time) before students design their own, to model a valid 6-8-option numerical question.

Set aside class time or a homework window for the 20-person survey step, since it requires gathering data outside the worksheet itself.

Use the built-in self-assessment rubric as a quick formative check on which of the four project skills need reteaching.

Statistical question design — students write their own survey question with 6-8 numerical answer options, modeled on two worked examples.

Data collection and tallying — students survey at least 20 people and record responses in a tally chart.

Dot plot construction — students plot data points above labeled x-axis categories on a pre-scaled y-axis.

Histogram construction — students shade bars by frequency above labeled x-axis categories on a pre-scaled y-axis.

Self-reflection and self-assessment — students compare chart types and rate their own mastery on a 5-point rubric across 4 skills.