Lesson 3 of 5: Data Discovery and Design

WALT: We Are Learning To design a data story using images and symbols on iPads to communicate data clearly.

Year Level: Year 1
Duration: 40 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Technology: iPads with the Seesaw app, Beebot robots available for extension

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Western Australian Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions:

• Digital Technologies / Data and Information (AC9M1ST01, AC9M1ST02)
  Acquire and record data for categorical variables in various ways including using digital tools; represent collected data for a categorical variable using one-to-one displays and digital tools where appropriate; compare the data using frequencies and discuss findings【2:AC9M1ST01.md, AC9M1ST02.md】.

• Design and Technologies (AC9TDE2P01)
  Generate and communicate design ideas through describing, drawing or modelling, including using digital tools【1:AC9TDE2P01.md】.

• Digital Technologies (AC9TDI2P01)
  Investigate simple problems for known users that can be solved with digital systems【14:AC9TDI2P01.md】.

Achievement Standard Highlights:

• Students collect, organise, and compare data using objects, images and digital tools.
• Students communicate ideas and design solutions using drawings and digital media.
• Students share their findings and understand basic storytelling with data visuals (supported in early years digital technology achievement standards).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand how to choose and organise a simple set of data to tell a story visually.
• Use iPads and the Seesaw app to create a data story using images and symbols.
• Present their data story to the class clearly and confidently.

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Success Criteria

Students can:

• Select a set of data (e.g., favourite fruit, colours, or animals).
• Represent their data using images or symbols on their iPads.
• Use simple sequencing to create a story around their data.
• Present their data story verbally or using audio recording to classmates.

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Resources	Differentiation & Supports
5 mins	Introduction & WALT	Gather students. Introduce the objective: creating a data story using pictures and symbols to show information. Use simple examples (e.g., favourite fruits of the class).	Whiteboard or projector to show example data story.	Explicit instruction with a clear success criteria chart visible.
10 mins	Data Story Design Brainstorm	In pairs, students discuss and choose data to represent (could be their own favourite things or previously collected data). Teacher models how to pick data and think about how to "tell a story" with it using images.	Teacher iPad with Seesaw, class chart board.	Sentence starters displayed for discussion (for example, "My data story is about...", "I want to show...").
15 mins	Create Data Story on iPads	Students use Seesaw app to arrange images and symbols representing their data and add simple recorded audio or typed labels. Teacher circulates to provide support and prompts inquiry (e.g., "What story does your data tell?").	iPads with Seesaw app, images/symbol libraries in app.	Dyslexia-friendly option: Support students with audio recordings instead of writing. Provide visual prompts.
5 mins	Present and Share	Selected students share their data story using the iPad. Encourage applause, peer feedback focusing on what they learned from the story.	iPads, small presentation area.	Students opting out of speaking can play their audio story and show their screen.
5 mins	Extension & Movement Activity	Use Beebot robots to ‘act out’ selected data stories physically – e.g., move Beebot to represent frequencies or categories in their story. Students can program simple Beebot sequences based on their data storytelling.	Beebot robots, activity mats related to data story imagery.	Extension for advanced learners in robotics/programming and sequencing.

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Teaching Tips

• Use explicit instruction to model both data storytelling and iPad usage.
• Encourage collaborative learning by having students share ideas before creating their stories.
• Use movement-based activity with Beebots to connect digital data representation with physical interaction, catering to kinaesthetic learners.
• Integrate First Nations Australian context where possible, for example exploring data stories from traditional storytelling and symbol use (in line with content elaborations on using stories and symbols for communicating information)【2:AC9M1ST01.md】.
• Use the Seesaw app for consistent and safe sharing of digital work.
• Support students with dyslexia-friendly options like audio recording and visual aids.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observe student participation in discussions and their ability to select data and create a story in the Seesaw app.
• Informal: Use peer feedback from presentations focused on clarity of the story conveyed.
• Teacher checklist: Did the student represent data using images/symbols? Did the student explain or record their data story?

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Resources Required

• Class set of iPads with Seesaw app installed
• Pre-loaded images and symbol libraries on Seesaw
• Beebot robots and mats
• Whiteboard or projector for demonstration
• Headphones for audio recording (to aid focus and support dyslexia-friendly option)

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Summary

This hands-on, engaging lesson bridges data collection and storytelling through digital tools, priming Year 1 students for foundational digital literacy along with critical thinking about data. Utilizing iPads supports personalised learning preferences and collaboration, while movement with Beebot robots extends creativity and deepens understanding. The clear link to the Western Australian Curriculum ensures relevance and alignment with learning standards in Technologies and Mathematics.

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If you would like, I can also provide a printable teacher guide or student worksheets to accompany this lesson.