Exploring Bar Graphs

Bar graphs are important graphic representations of information. They are used in businesses, newspapers, textbooks, and other print resources, so it is important that students understand how to read and use bar graphs.

Read “Review of Bar Graphs” at the following site: http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/TabBar/RevBar/REVBAR.HTM

Using the buttons at the end of the page, open and complete the practice activity (Practice #9) and the additional practice activity (Practice #10). Write your answers on a sheet of lined loose-leaf paper. Check your work using the “solution to practice” button at the bottom of each practice activity.

Now try reading a bar graph from another educational site. Go to http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/TabBar/BuildBar/BUILDBAR.HTM and scroll down to the bottom of the page. On your lined paper, answer the following questions about the bar graph you see there.

1. What is the subject of this bar graph?

2. What intervals are used on the y-axis of this graph?

3. About how many students live in residential halls (Res Halls)?

4. How many more students live in off campus apartments than in off campus houses?

5. According to this graph, approximately how many total students are housed at this university?