GRAPHING NOTESPart 1

TYPES OF GRAPHS• Graphs are used to illustrate what happens during an

experiment.• Bar graph - used for comparing data.• Pie graph - used to show percentages.• Line graph - used to show continuous change, usually

change over time.

CREATING A DATA TABLE

• A data table has 2 columns (not always).

• The first column is the independent variable.

• The second column is the dependent variable.

INDEPENDENT

VARIABLE

DEPENDENT

VARIABLE

Independent Variable•This is the factor that we can change.

• Example: How long the thermometer is in the water, or how far the runner races.

Dependent Variable

•These are the results we get.

• Example: The water temperature, or how fast the runner ran.

Variable & Controlled Parameters• Controlled parameters are the factors that stay

constant during the experiment.• Example: The amount of salt used or the material

used.• Variable Parameters are factors that change during

the experiment.• Example: The mass or volume of the gummy bear

in water.

Creating a Graph•Data tables help you organize data.

•Graphs help you understand and use data.

AXES

• An axis is a line that forms one side of the graph.

• X-axis: the horizontal line that represents the independent variable.

• Y-axis: the vertical line that represents the dependent variable.

Range & Scale•To find the range of each axis, subtract the smallest value on the data table from the largest value.

•Scale: Each axis has its own scale, or how many spaces between numbers.

Data Points• You plot the

data points by putting a dot on the graph for each pair of data on the data table.

Labels Title: The title tells people what

the graph describes. Do NOT use the word graph in your title.

Label axes: Also label the x-axis and y-axis. Include the name and unit label if necessary, like “distance (m)” or “time (sec.)”.

STEPS FOR MAKING A GRAPH• ALWAYS USE A RULER!

• ALWAYS MAKE AS LARGE AS POSSIBLE!

• 1) Draw the x and y axes.

• 2) Label the axes. Include units if needed. 1st column of data table = x-axis 2nd column of data table = y-axis

• 3) Decide - line graph or bar graph?

• 4) Choose a scale and fill in numbers.

• 5) Plot your data.

• 6) Write a title for your graph.

Students' Favorite Candy Bars

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Snickers Milky Way 3 Muskateer Twix Kit Kat

Type of Candy Bar

My Maze Times

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Remember To Check For:

T Title

L Labels

U Units

D Data

LET’S TRY IT!