Let’s analyze data! This lunch menu project is a great way for students to both analyze and display data in a meaningful way. The attached enrichment project is designed for students, grades 2-5, to work on in math centers, as homework, or as anchor activities in class.
Included:
Cover page
Directions and Expectations Page
Blank Lunch Menu Calendar Page
Project Rubric for Students
Data Information Page to use for Tally Chart and Bar Graph Creation

Instructions for how I use in my class: I begin by explaining to the kids that the cafeteria needs their help! The school cafeteria has asked all students to create a lunch menu. I give each student the packet and we discuss the cover page together. I remind the students about tally tables, frequency tables, bar graphs, how to input data into a lunch menu, and how to create a reflection about their decision making. We talk about making choices based upon data that has been collected. I remind students that they may wish to write notes about their decisions so they can incorporate them into their finished reflection. We then discuss the rubric and make certain that everyone understands expectations. Students typically create the frequency/tally table first and then create a bar graph. From there, the kids can see what food options they should incorporate into their lunch menus most and least often. The students then fill in the lunch menu. When everything else is complete, the final reflection explaining their decision making process is written. Finally, I ask each student to present their project to the class.
My students always enjoy completing this project. Every menu is a little different, and I enjoy finding out why decisions were made during the presentations. This project addresses Common Core Math and ELA Standards and is a lot of fun for the kids to complete!