The document describes a series of missions to help an agent interpret and represent reading group data. The agent is given a tally chart by two scientists but finds it confusing. Through four missions, the assistant helps the agent: 1) interpret the tally marks to find frequencies for each group; 2) create a pictogram using symbols to represent books; 3) choose a symbol to represent 4 books; and 4) work in pairs to choose a symbol for 5 books and redraw the pictogram. Potential difficulties with pictograms include choosing appropriate symbols and ensuring they are the same size.

1. Handling Data
To solve a problem by organising,
representing and interpreting data in
tables, graphs and chart.
By Amani El-Alawneh

2. Hello, MI3
M here.
I hope you are all well and enjoying life!
I have a problem that I would really, really
like your help with.
Here at my base we have two scientists in
charge of representing our data. Their
names are Agent A. Weed and Agent C.
Weed (they are brother and sister).

3. They are in the middle of analysing
some super sized data to use in our
next top secret mission. Unfortunately,
they have been called away on
another top secret mission and have
asked me to interpret the data!!
My problem is that they left me data in
a tally chart and it makes no sense to
me!
Please would you help me out? I
zapped a copy of the tally chart and
special instructions for representing
the data. See you later……

4. This message will self destruct in 5 seconds
Frequency means HOW MANY
The table is called a frequency table

5. Reading Group Number of books Read Frequency
Badgers
Tigers
Peacocks
Elephants
Pigs
Spiders
Mission One: Find the Frequency for each group by
interpreting the tally marks.
16
14
23
4
2
13

6. Mission Two:
Change the frequency table into a pictogram by using
a symbol to represent 2 books.

7. Badgers
Tigers
Peacocks
Elephants
Pigs
Spiders
Represents two books
Mission Two:
Change the frequency table into a pictogram by
using a symbol to represent 2 books.

8. Mission Three:
Below shows representing 2 books. Use another
number to represent . You need to choose the most suitable number.
Badgers
Tigers
Peacocks
Elephants
Pigs
Spiders

9. Badgers
Tigers
Peacocks
Elephants
Pigs
Spiders
Represents Four books
Mission Three:
COMPLETED

10. Hi All,
M here again.
Fantastic, you’ve completed all three missions. Secret
Agent A. Weed and his sister C. Weed told me that I need
to find a symbol that could represent 5 books. I can’t
imagine it! Can you help me to choose a symbol that will
be clear and can any easily represent 5 books?
Mission Four:
Work in pairs to find a symbol that could represent 5 books.
Once you have agreed on a symbol, redraw the pictogram using
your symbol for 5 books.

11. Mission Four:
Work in pairs to find a symbol that could represent 5 books.
Once you have agreed on a symbol, redraw the pictogram using
your symbol for 5 books.
Here’s the tally chart again to help you:

12. Badgers
Tigers
Peacocks
Elephants
Pigs
Spiders
Represents Five books
Mission Four: Work in pairs to find a symbol that could represent 5 books.
MISSION FOUR
COMPLETED

13. Hi MI3
Me here.
Well done!! Your pictograms are all
fabulous, the only problem I now have is
that I can’t choose the best because they
are all so good!!
Agent A Weed and Agent C Weed thank you
all
M
MISSION
COMPLETED

14. What difficulties are there with making
pictograms?
Which symbols to
use?
Ensuring that the symbols are
the same size?
choosing a symbol that is
clear and can any easily
represent the information?

15. 0
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
Badgers Tigers Peacocks Elephants Pigs Spiders
Numberofbooksread
Reading Group
Bar charts are a common way to display
information