The idea, step by step
Begin with a focused question
Choose something you can ask fairly and record clearly, such as “Which of these three playground games is most popular in our class?” Decide who will answer, whether each person has one vote, and how to include people who do not choose an offered option. Avoid collecting names or sensitive details when counts are enough.
Report what the data can show
Collect responses, check totals, choose a display and answer the original question. State the group and any missing responses. A survey of one class supports a conclusion about those respondents; it does not prove what every child in the school likes. Record a practical improvement for next time.
| Game | Votes |
|---|---|
| Chasey | 7 |
| Skipping | 5 |
| Handball | 4 |
A common trap
A small class survey proves what all children prefer.
Instead: Keep the conclusion limited to the group and choices actually surveyed.
See the thinking
A supported conclusion
A practice class survey records Chasey 7, Skipping 5 and Handball 4. Write a conclusion.
- The largest count is 7 for Chasey.
- Limit the conclusion to the surveyed class.
A limitation
Only children playing football were asked which lunchtime sport is best. Explain a limitation.
- The group excludes children doing other activities.
- Its choices may not represent the whole class.
Check your understanding
What should you check before drawing a graph of a one-vote survey?
Show answer
That every response is recorded once and the category total matches the valid responses.
A graph cannot repair an incorrect record.
Your turn
6 questions · 11 marks · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Write a clear one-choice survey question about favourite classroom reading places.2 marks
- List the stages of a small survey in order.2 marks
- Use the supplied game table to find the total responses.1 mark
Practice survey Game Votes Chasey 7 Skipping 5 Handball 4 - For those game counts, how many more chose Chasey than Handball?1 mark
Practice survey Game Votes Chasey 7 Skipping 5 Handball 4 - Twenty classmates are asked, but only 18 answer. Should the report say 20 responses? Explain.2 marks
- Plan a small survey with a question, group, recording method and suitable display.3 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- Write a clear one-choice survey question about favourite classroom reading places.2 marks
Equivalent clear questions with defined choices are valid.
For example: “Which reading place do you prefer: a desk, the mat or a beanbag? Choose one.” - List the stages of a small survey in order.2 marks
Planning precedes collecting and conclusions follow the data.
Question and plan; collect; check/organise; display; interpret/report. - Use the supplied game table to find the total responses.1 mark
Practice survey Game Votes Chasey 7 Skipping 5 Handball 4 7 + 5 + 4 = 16.
16. - For those game counts, how many more chose Chasey than Handball?1 mark
Practice survey Game Votes Chasey 7 Skipping 5 Handball 4 7 − 4 = 3.
3. - Twenty classmates are asked, but only 18 answer. Should the report say 20 responses? Explain.2 marks
People asked and valid responses are not always the same.
No. Report 18 responses and note 2 missing answers. - Plan a small survey with a question, group, recording method and suitable display.3 marks
The group should match the question, categories should be clear, and totals should be checked.
Many valid plans exist; for example favourite fruit, all classmates, one vote each in a tally table, then a column graph.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics 2026
Scaled pictographs/column graphs; data collection; suitable displays; distributions; survey investigations.
Official curriculum source ↗