How Do I Teach Bar Graphs?

Understand what the bar graph represents.

Bar graphs are used for interpreting and organizing data. Teaching bar graphs to students requires having them practice, interpret and create their own charts using graphing paper or statistical software programs.

Review Bar Graphs

In order for students to understand what a bar graph is, you must show examples of bar graphs and review the information in the bar graph. For instance, students should learn how to identify the bar graph title, labels on the axes, information in the bar itself and how to analyze the data trends in the bar graph.

Definitions for Graph Bar Parts

In addition to identifying the components of the bar graph, students should understand the terms. For instance, the graph title is an overview of the data in the graph and the axes labels describe the information on each axes.

Analysis of the Bar Graph

After teaching students how to identify and understand the components of the bar graph, they need to learn how to analyze the graph. Show examples of bar graphs and have the students make comparisons to groups of data. Ask questions about the data sets and how the chart supports generalizations. Explain group data and frequency axes.

Creating Bar Graphs

Have your students put together data and create their own bar graphs using either graphing paper or a computer program such as Microsoft Excel. This will also give the students a greater understanding of what the graph means as they put it together themselves.

References

• Interactivate: Introduction to Bar Graphs
• Syracuse University: Review of Bar Graphs