Pie Chart Lesson Plan: Grade 8 Data Graphing

This free pie chart lesson plan helps middle school students understand circle graphs by calculating percentages, converting them to degrees, and constructing graphs both by hand and using digital tools. Students see how data becomes a visual model and explain what their graph shows.

Overview

Students collect or use provided data, calculate percent values, and convert each category into degrees of a circle. They construct a pie chart using geometry tools and then generate a second graph digitally. Students compare the two graphs and interpret what the data communicates. The lesson connects fractions, percentages, and angles into one practical application.

Subject Connections

This lesson connects number concepts to geometry as students move between fractions, percentages, and angle measures to build a full 360-degree model. It also supports real-world data literacy by having students explain what the graph communicates and compare the strengths of hand-built versus digital representations.

Learning Goals

• Convert data into percentages
• Relate percentages to a full circle (360 degrees)
• Construct an accurate pie chart using a protractor
• Use digital tools to create a circle graph
• Interpret and explain data displayed visually

Materials

• Paper and pencils
• Protractors
• Compasses or circle templates
• Colored pencils or markers
• Calculator
• Computer or tablet with spreadsheet software
• Prepared data set or student survey data

Preparation

• Prepare a simple data table with 4–6 categories or plan a short class survey
• Review percentage calculations and fraction relationships
• Prepare a demonstration example for the board
• Ensure students have access to digital graphing tools

Teaching Procedure

Each session fits a standard class period of 45–50 minutes.

Session 1 – Understanding Data and Percentages

1. The teacher presents a real-life data question such as favorite school activities and records responses as students contribute answers.
2. Activity: The teacher tells students, “We will turn our class data into percentages.” Materials: data table and calculators. Students total the data, divide each category by the total, and multiply by 100, then demonstrate understanding by writing the percent for each category.
3. The teacher reviews why the percentages should add to about 100% and discusses rounding.
4. Students check their work with a partner and correct any errors.

Session 2 – Converting Percentages to Degrees

1. The teacher reviews that a full circle equals 360 degrees and models converting one percentage into degrees.
2. Activity: The teacher tells students, “Multiply each percentage by 360 degrees to find your angle.” Materials: calculators and data table. Students calculate each angle and demonstrate understanding by labeling each category with its degree measure.
3. The teacher checks totals and explains why they may be close to, but not exactly, 360 degrees.
4. Students prepare a clean list of categories, percentages, and degrees.

Session 3 – Constructing the Hand-Drawn Pie Chart

1. The teacher models drawing a circle using a compass and marking the first angle with a protractor.
2. Activity: The teacher tells students, “We will build our pie chart one section at a time.” Materials: compass, protractor, colored pencils. Students draw a circle, measure each angle carefully, and color each sector differently, then demonstrate understanding by labeling each section and adding a title.
3. The teacher circulates to assist with measurement accuracy.
4. Students compare charts with partners and verify that all sections match the calculated angles.

Session 4 – Creating a Digital Circle Graph

1. The teacher demonstrates entering the data into spreadsheet software.
2. Activity: The teacher tells students, “Enter the categories and values to generate a pie chart automatically.” Materials: computer or tablet. Students input data, create a circle graph, and demonstrate understanding by printing or saving the finished chart.
3. The teacher discusses why the digital graph may differ slightly from the hand-drawn version.
4. Students label and format the graph clearly.

Session 5 – Comparing and Interpreting Graphs

1. The teacher asks students to place their two graphs side by side.
2. Activity: The teacher tells students, “Explain what your data shows.” Materials: both graphs. Students write a short explanation describing the largest category, smallest category, and one conclusion about the data.
3. Students share conclusions in a brief class discussion.
4. The teacher summarizes how pie charts communicate information quickly.

Assessment

• Accuracy of percentage and degree calculations
• Correct construction of pie chart sectors
• Proper labeling and titles
• Written explanation interpreting data

Differentiation

• Provide partially completed calculations for support
• Allow partner work during measurement
• Offer pre-drawn circles for students struggling with compass use
• Challenge advanced students to design their own survey and graph

Grade Adaptation

Grade 6 students can use a provided data set and focus on converting fractions to percentages and building a pie chart with fewer categories. Grade 7 students can calculate percentages from raw totals and complete the full hand-drawn pie chart with teacher check-ins on angle sums. Grade 8 students can run a short class survey, complete both hand-drawn and digital charts, and write a stronger interpretation that explains what the data suggests and when a different graph type might communicate better.

Extension Ideas

• Compare two different class data sets
• Analyze a real-world pie chart from news or media
• Create a poster explaining how to read a circle graph
• Discuss when a bar graph might be more appropriate than a pie chart