Find the time along the bottom, go up to the point, then across to the scale on the side. To find a change, take the earlier value from the later one.
line graphpoints joined by lines to show change
scalewhat each step on the side is worth
axisthe number line along the bottom or side
pointone reading, marked with a dot
Watch for: Reading the scale by 1s when it counts by 2s. Reading the point next to the one asked for. Picking a line graph for data that isn't about change over time.
At home: Track something that changes, like the temperature at breakfast each day for a week, then draw it as a line graph.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 4 · Line graphs · 4.PS.1
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Read the line graph
A line graph shows how something changes over time.
What was the rover's distance after hour 6?
How much did it change from first to last?
How much did it go up from hour 2 to hour 3?
Biggest change from one reading to the next?
Finish the line graph
Plot each reading, then join the points in order.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
Height (cm)
0
2
4
8
10
12
How much did it change from first to last?
How much did it go up from week 5 to week 6?
Biggest change from one reading to the next?
Line or bar?
Line graphs show change over time; bar graphs compare groups.
A puppy's weight each monthlinebar
Books four friends readlinebar
Votes for a mascotlinebar
Temperature every hourlinebar
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 4 · Line graphs · 4.PS.1
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Read the line graph
A line graph shows how something changes over time.
What was the rover's distance after hour 6?40 km
How much did it change from first to last?32 km
How much did it go up from hour 2 to hour 3?4 km
Biggest change from one reading to the next?12 km
Finish the line graph
Plot each reading, then join the points in order.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
Height (cm)
0
2
4
8
10
12
How much did it change from first to last?12 cm
How much did it go up from week 5 to week 6?2 cm
Biggest change from one reading to the next?4 cm
Line or bar?
Line graphs show change over time; bar graphs compare groups.
A puppy's weight each monthlinebar
Books four friends readlinebar
Votes for a mascotlinebar
Temperature every hourlinebar
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
