1/15
00:00

Learn more about this topic →

L.2 Analyze data with bees

Loading questions...

Go to the practice →

What Is Data?

Data is information we gather to help us learn and make choices. For young children, data can be as simple as counting bees or comparing two groups to see which has more.

Example:
  • Count how many bees are on a flower.
  • Say which group has more or fewer bees.
Note

Begin with small numbers (up to 10). Use clear visuals, like toy bees or pictures, to make the concept real and easy to understand.

Collecting Bee Data

Collecting data means looking at something and keeping track of what we see. Children can collect bee data by observing pictures, counting bees in a book, or using pretend play.

Try This:
  • Count how many bees are flying and how many are resting.
  • Record the number of bees in each group using pictures or stickers.
Note

Use simple visuals or objects to collect bee data. Stickers, drawings, or toy bees are helpful tools for making data hands-on and fun.

Sorting Bees

Sorting helps children group bees by what is the same. They might sort bees by size, wing shape, or number in a group. Sorting helps organize data so we can talk about it.

Example:
  • Put small bees in one group and big bees in another.
  • Group bees by color or pattern, like striped or plain.
Note

Guide children by asking questions like “What is the same?” and “Where does this bee belong?” Talking while sorting helps build understanding.

Comparing Groups of Bees

Comparing means looking at two groups of bees and deciding which has more, less, or the same number. Comparing builds number sense and helps children describe what they see.

Try This:
  • “Which flower has more bees?”
  • “Are there fewer bees on this leaf?”
Note

Encourage children to point, count out loud, and use their fingers to match bees one-to-one. This supports accurate comparison.

Using Pictures to Show Bee Data

Pictures help children see and talk about what they found. Picture charts show how many bees are in each group using images or symbols—like one bee picture for each real bee.

Example:
  • Create a row of bee stickers to show how many bees are flying.
  • Use pictures to show which group has more bees at the hive.
Note

Keep picture charts neat and clear. Use the same size and style of bee image. Label each row or group for easy comparison.

Describing Bee Data

Once children have collected and compared bee data, help them describe it using everyday math words like more, less, fewer, and same.

Example Sentences:
  • “There are more bees on the first flower.”
  • “Both leaves have the same number of bees.”
Note

Model clear language and encourage children to repeat and explain their ideas. Help them speak in full sentences about what they see.

Real-World Bee Data

Bee data can be part of everyday play and learning. Children can observe bees outside, read bee stories, or count bee toys. These real moments make data meaningful.

Try This:
  • Count how many toy bees are in the hive and how many are flying.
  • Sort bees by wing color before cleaning up.
Note

Use everyday routines to explore bee data. Snack time, clean-up, or storytime all offer chances to observe, count, and talk about groups of bees.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

  • Use toy bees or drawings to help children explore data in a playful way.
  • Encourage sorting and counting activities during everyday moments.
  • Use visual tools like picture graphs, rows of bee stickers, or matching games.
  • Ask open-ended questions and repeat math language regularly.
Supportive Practices:
  • Create a “bee chart” on the wall using drawings or stickers.
  • Sort pretend bees into groups before putting them away.
  • Tell a short story about bees and ask children to describe what they noticed using math words.
Note

Focus on hands-on, visual learning. Let children talk about what they notice in a relaxed and curious way. Joy builds understanding.

Go to the practice →