Problem
Kelly likes looking for insects in the garden. These are all the insects that she saw one afternoon. Can you help her display them so that she can tell her friends what she saw in the garden.

What is this problem about?
This problem involves sorting objects into categories and then counting them. This experience is the foundation for displaying data in pictograms.

Achievement Objectives
Statistics (Level 1)
- Collect everyday objects, sort them into categories, count the number of objects in each category, and display and discuss the results.

Mathematical Processes
- devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (draw, use equipment)

Resources
Blackline master of the problem
Pictures of insects

Specific learning outcomes
The children will be able to:
- sort objects into categories and display the results
- count the objects in a category

1. Talk about the types of insects that you might see if you looked in the garden. As the children name the insects in this problem display on the board.
2. Read the problem for the children to work on.
3. Brainstorm for ideas about how to solve the problem.
4. As they work they may choose to cut out the objects to form groups or they may redraw them.
   How are you sorting the insects?
   How many different insects are there?
   What can you tell me about the insects in the garden?
5. Share displays.

Extension to the problem
Make a picture graph of the insects.

There are many ways of displaying the insects to answer the question. As this problem develops the skills required for graphing the children may decide to cut out the insects and put them into rows or columns for comparison.

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