Drawing strip graphs activity

A strip graph shows proportions or percentages as part of a strip.

Tips on how to draw a strip graph

• A good strip graph shows information as percentages
• A good strip graph has strips which add up to 100 percent
• A good strip graph has a title and labels on each axis
• A good strip graph uses shading to show different parts of the strip
• A good strip graph has labels or a key to explain the shading on the strip
• A good strip graph is followed by a short sentence telling what the strip graph shows.

Source: 2001 Census: Education 2001

The strip graph shows that people aged 20-24 years are the biggest group with a qualification. People aged 85 plus are the biggest group with no qualification.

Activity

1. Look at the strip graph above. Write three short sentences to explain what the strip graph shows.
2. What trend can you see between the qualifications and age groups?
3. Use the data in the table below called Ethnic Group and Age Group to try drawing your own strip graph. 
4. There will be five strips: European, Māori, Pacific, Asian and Other. Each strip will be divided into four sections showing the four age groups. You may need to colour code each of the four sections and label them clearly.
5. Before you can put the data into the strip graph you will need to do some calculations. Use the numbers in the table above to work out the percentages for the strip graph. For example, the first strip on the graph for European will be divided into four sections, showing the four age groups. The first part of the strip for European under 15 years is worked out here:
   
   

   615,930	X 100 = 21%
   2,871,438*

   
   * This is the European total for all age groups added together.

   
   The four sections on the strip graph should add up to 100%.

6. Once you have drawn your strip graph, write three short sentences to explain what the graph shows.

Related links

New Zealand Graphics Guidelines - 2. The process of graphing
Statistics New Zealand Graphics Guidelines - 4. Graphic Standards