graphs

tables models

Because scientists use written reports and oral presentations to share their results, organizing and presenting data are important science skills.In this lesson, we will look at three different ways to organize and present data: data tables, graphs, and models.

While conducting an investigation, data from the investigation is recorded in a data table.

Experimental Data Time (s) 20 Volume of gas (mL) 6

40
60 80 100 120

25
58 100 140 152

 1. 2. 3.

4.

All data tables include: A title Units of measurement Independent variable in left-hand column Dependent variable in right-hand column

Melting Points of Common Metals Element Aluminum Gold Iron Lead Silver Melting Temperature (K) 933 1337 1808 601 1235

One data has been collected, it is placed in an appropriate graph. Scientific graphs are used to identify relationships (or trends) among variables.

is a good choice for displaying data that changes over time.

line graph

Example: number of dolphin sightings over a 5 year period.

is useful when you want to compare data for several individual items or events. Example: melting points of various elements.

bar graph

is ideal for displaying data that are parts of a whole.

pie graph

Whole circle indicates total (100%) **pie graph must show percentages!!**
Example: percentage of household energy use by major appliance

illustrate data. Each symbol represents a set number.

pictograph uses picture symbols to

Example: history and prediction of future world population.

Identify the variables Determine the range Determine the scale Number and label each axis Plot the points Draw the graph Give graph a title.

 Independent Variable (the thing you changed) Goes on the X axis (horizontal) Should be on the left side of a data table. Dependent Variable (changes with the independent variable) Goes on the Y axis (vertical) Should be on the right side of a data table.

 Subtract the lowest data value from the highest data value. Do each variable separately.

 Determine a scale, (the numerical value for each square), that best fits the range of each variable.

Spread the graph to use MOST of the available space.

You need to tell everyone reading your graph what the graph means. Be sure to include units.

Plot each data value on the graph with a dot. You can put the data number by the dot, if it does not clutter your graph.

 Draw a curve or a line that best fits the data points. Most graphs of experimental data are not drawn as "connect-thedots".

Your title should clearly tell what the graph is about.

If your graph has more than one set of data, provide a "key" to identify the different lines

We can use the slope of the best fit tine on a graph to predict values not measured

Interpolate: predicting data between two measured points on the graph.

Extrapolate: extending the graph, along the same slope, above or below measured data.

Models are used in science. What is a model?

A scientific model is a representation of an object or an event that can be studied to understand the real object or event. A model can be a real object, a picture or drawing, a mental image, or a computer generated picture.
Add two heathers animations!

What does each type of graph best represent?

1) ?
2) ?

3) ?
4) ?

A data table? A line graph?

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