Year 3 Mathematics · AC9M3ST03

Conduct guided statistical investigations involving the collection, representation and interpretation of data for categorical and discrete numerical variables

conduct guided statistical investigations involving the collection, representation and interpretation of data for categorical and discrete numerical variables with…

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Learning goalsSay it simply

A statistical investigation begins with a question and uses collected data to form evidence-based conclusions while recognising variation.

Learning routine: Question → Plan → Collect → Represent → Interpret → Report

Success looks like

  • Ask statistical questions
  • Plan data collection
  • Represent data
  • Interpret variation
  • Report conclusions

Success criteria:

  • Ask statistical questions
  • Plan data collection
  • Represent data
  • Interpret variation
  • Report conclusions
Key conceptTeach from the board

Key idea: A statistical investigation begins with a question and uses collected data to form evidence-based conclusions while recognising variation.

Learning routine: Question → Plan → Collect → Represent → Interpret → Report

statistical investigation
a process of asking, collecting, displaying and interpreting data
question of interest
the focused question an investigation answers
conclusion
a statement supported by the collected data
Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9M3ST03 - Conduct guided statistical investigations involving the collection, representation and interpretation of data for categorical and discrete numerical variables with respect to questions of interest
Example 1

Question → Collect → Organise → Display → Interpret → Report

Example 2

clear answerable relevant one response each

Example 3

Follow the investigation cycle Question → Collect → Organise → Display → Interpret → Report Each stage should connect back to the original question. Read every label and identify what each quantity or feature represents. Describe the relationship shown by the model. Check that the conclusion answers the original question.

Example 4

Interpret variation in results 2 0 6 1 8 2 4 3+ Describe patterns and differences without claiming more than the data shows. Apply the same relationship to the new context, then justify the answer using the labels and evidence shown.

Curriculum examplesCopied content

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

  • Content description: conduct guided statistical investigations involving the collection, representation and interpretation of data for categorical and discrete numerical variables with respect to questions of interest
  • E1: creating a poster, flowchart or infographic that describes the process of statistical investigation, and the components, the tools and the types of data that can be collected, represented and interpreted for a purpose
  • E2: collaboratively working through a whole class investigation by choosing a question of interest, using an efficient collection method and recording collected data; interpreting the data in terms of the question
  • E3: planning and carrying out investigations that involve collecting data; for example, narrowing the focus of a question such as, “Which is the most popular breakfast cereal?” to “Which is the most popular breakfast cereal among Year 3 students in our class?”
  • E4: conducting a whole class statistical investigation into the best day to hold an open day for parents by creating a simple survey; collecting the data by asking the parents, representing and interpreting the results, and deciding as a class which day would be best
  • E5: investigating seasonal calendars of First Nations Australians by collecting data and creating frequency tables and spreadsheets based on environmental indicators; creating one-to-one data displays about frequency of environmental indicators for the current season (teaching context)

Australian, Victorian and NSW alignment retained from the previous page

RegionCurriculumClosest mapping
AustraliaAustralian Curriculum v9.0AC9M3ST03 — conduct guided statistical investigations involving the collection, representation and interpretation of data for categorical and discrete numerical variables with respect to questions of interest
VictoriaVictorian Curriculum F-10Year 3 Maths: closest match in Statistics. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference.
NSWNSW CurriculumStage 2 Maths: closest content focus for Conduct guided statistical investigations involving the collection, representation and interpretation of data for categorical and discrete numerical variables with respect to questions of interest and related outcomes.
Questions and answersWith answers
What is the big idea in this topic?
A statistical investigation begins with a question and uses collected data to form evidence-based conclusions while recognising variation.
What routine should I use?
Question → Plan → Collect → Represent → Interpret → Report
How do I know I am ready to move on?
You can ask statistical questions, plan data collection, represent data, interpret variation, report conclusions and explain how your model or calculation supports the answer.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Question and data mismatch — Collect data that directly answers the question.
  • Conclusion without evidence — Quote frequencies or comparisons.
  • Claiming cause — A small descriptive investigation may show association, not cause.

  1. Explain how variation can appear in repeated class survey results.

  2. A student collects favourite fruit data to answer 'How many books are read?' Explain the mismatch.

Review hint: Follow the routine “Question → Plan → Collect → Represent → Interpret → Report” and use the worked model to check whether your answer is reasonable.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

A statistical investigation begins with a question and uses collected data to form evidence-based conclusions while recognising variation.

Learning routine: Question → Plan → Collect → Represent → Interpret → Report

Success looks like

  • Ask statistical questions
  • Plan data collection
  • Represent data
  • Interpret variation
  • Report conclusions

Success criteria:

  • Ask statistical questions
  • Plan data collection
  • Represent data
  • Interpret variation
  • Report conclusions
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