"Let's think it through," says Ollie. "When we collect data, a graph helps us see the answer." Model collecting a small set of creature counts, then drawing a column graph — taller columns mean more — with labelled axes and a title.
Read the finished graph back: which is most, how many more of one than another, how many altogether — showing that a good graph answers questions at a glance.
Together 1. Data: frogs 8, lizards 6, dragonflies 12, birds 10. With each square = 2, how many squares for each?
Together 2. Draw the column graph together, labelling axes and adding a title.
Together 3. Read it back: which was seen most, and how many creatures altogether?
Students complete "Counting the Creek: Data & Graphs". The support version uses tallies and a one-to-one graph; the extension version uses many-to-one graphs and asks students to interpret and write statements about the data. Remind students to label both axes and give every graph a title.