I like this lesson, because the students can use it to poll whatever they want as a group. They will be able to put the information from their class into a graph.
I think this is very interesting because it uses things students are interested in. Graphs are a good way for students to visualize what they are trying to say and understand.
I used this as an introductory lesson on creating spreadsheets and graphs with 4th graders as a collaborative project with the classroom teachers for a math unit. The lesson was done in the Technology/Computer Lab and students were allowed 2 (35 min.) class periods to complete the project. Printed graphs were displayed on the math teacher's hallway bulletin board.
This is a great, simple lesson plan to introduce children gradually to using spreadsheets on the computer. It uses a variety of different concepts, such as estimation, counting, and color knowledge.