- Definition
A multiple-bar graph uses two or more sets of bars next to each other to compare different groups of information, like showing how many boys and girls prefer certain colors.
A graph could use one bar for nine-year-olds' favourite pets and a bar right next to it for ten-year-olds', letting you compare them.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A multiple-bar graph is like lining up your toys and your friend's toys side-by-side to see who has more of each type.
Ask your child: Looking at this graph, did more adults or more kids choose pizza?
Common mix-up: Kids may just read one bar at a time, like in a simple bar graph. A multiple-bar graph is special because it groups bars together so you can compare two sets of data at once.
Examples
- Comparing how many adults versus how many kids in a neighborhood play soccer, basketball, and baseball.
- A graph showing this year's bake sale earnings for each month next to last year's earnings.
multiple-bar graph is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
