Human Bar Graph Target Toss

Each student tosses five beanbags at a hoop, counts their hits, and lines up in the column for that number to build a human bar graph with the whole class. Then they repeat under a new condition and compare the graphs. Students practice accuracy and data analysis.

How to play

1. Lay 6 hoops with a throwing line about 12 feet away. Elsewhere, chalk a graph with columns 0 to 5 and a cone at each number (3 min).
2. In groups of 4 at each hoop, each student tosses 5 beanbags underhand and counts how many land inside. The group collects them and rotates until everyone has thrown (4 min).
3. On the whistle, everyone jogs to the graph and lines up behind the number of hits they made: each person is one block of the bar.
4. The teacher asks: Which number has the tallest bar? How many made 3 or more? What is the difference between the tallest and shortest bar? Students raise a hand from their spot to answer (3 min).
5. Second condition: toss from 18 feet or with the non-dominant hand and build a second graph beside the first (6 min).
6. Compare: the class explains what changed between the two graphs and why, and each student checks whether they improved (4 min).

Rules

• Only throw when the hoop is clear and nobody is collecting beanbags.
• Collect beanbags all at once after the last person in the group throws.
• On the graph, line up straight and without pushing so the bar is easy to read.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: toss from their wheelchair at a distance that allows success.
• Students who are blind or visually impaired: put something that makes noise in the hoop and have a partner call out the result of each toss.
• Fitness level: adjust the throwing distance to each student and note it on the sheet so comparisons stay fair.

Learning goals

• Toss underhand accurately at a target.
• Build and interpret a bar graph using their own data.
• Compare results under two conditions and draw conclusions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• beanbags: 30
• hoops: 6
• cones: 6
• sidewalk chalk: 4

Teacher tip

Snap a photo of each human graph from up high; it makes a great visual back in the classroom.

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