Design, Spin, and Graph

Mathematics

In this activity, children will make a graph showing the results of ten spins of a spinner, and develop an understanding of why one section was landed on most often.

What you need:

• Design, Spin, and Graph: Graph (PDF file print and copy)
• Design, Spin, and Graph: Spinner (PDF file print and copy)
• Pointers made from pencils and paper clips

What to Do

1. Give each child a copy of the graph and the spinner. Also give each child a pointer made with a pencil and paper clip. The sections of the graph can be referred to as "polka dot," "solid black," and "striped." Ask the children what section they think the pointer might land on when they use the spinner.
2. Explain that children will spin and then record what the spinner lands on by coloring one block in the graph in the appropriate row.
3. Children are to spin 10 times. They can put an X in a box for each spin (next to the spinner) to keep track of their spins.
4. Discuss class results. Which section did the spinner land on most often? Least often? Discuss why.

Teaching Options

• You can have children create their own spinners and share their spinners with a partner who then graphs the results.