Taking a Closer Look at the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

I decided to explore the virtual bar chart manipulative under the heading numbers and operations. This is a common math topic for the younger grades. I used the manipulative in the pre-k to 2^nd grade section and the 3^rd to 5^th grade section. The manipulative was the same in both settings. The user has the option to change the numbers from standard to totals or percentages. The user can increase or decrease the number of rows and columns available on the bar chart. It was easy to click the sections to fill in spaces to represent the total of each category. It is a great visual tool for students to understand how to create and use a bar chart. It will enhance student learning by allowing the students to manage the creation of the bar chart. The students will be able to observe the data they collected entering the bar chart manipulative.

The bar chart virtual manipulative supports the following PA Common Core Standards:

Standard - CC.2.4.1.A.4-Represent and interpret data using tables/charts

Standard - CC.2.4.2.A.4-Represent and interpret data using line plots, picture graphs, and bar graphs.

Standard - CC.2.4.3.A.4-Represent and interpret data using tally charts, tables, pictographs, line plots, and bar graphs.

Standard - CC.2.4.3.A.4-Represent and interpret data using tally charts, tables, pictographs, line plots, and bar graphs.