Elements of a Graph Insanity of Statements

Why use a graph? Graphs are very useful tools in science: 1. A graph is used by scientist to organize the facts so they can be analyzed and conclusions can be drawn. 2. Graphs are pictorial representation of recorded information. 3. Graphs are used to show the relationship between 2 or more different factors. 4. Graphs make trends in data easy to see. 5. Graphs allow us to predict data that is not measured.

There are several different types of graphs: BAR GRAPH CIRCLE/PIE GRAPH LINE GRAPH

Bar Graph Used to compare data for several individual items or events. Number of pets in Mrs. O’Neill’s block 3 class.

Circle or Pie Graph: Used to display data that are parts of a whole. Can be compared by percentages or by the size of the “sections/parts”. The different types of pies that the students in Mrs. O’Neill’s block 3 class enjoy eating.

Line Graphs Used to show something that is being measured as it changes over a period of time. Can be used to predict what will most likely happen next.

Line graphs allow us to predict data that is not measured: Extrapolate: extend graph along the same slope, above or below the measured data.

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

Rules for making a line graph: #1 Assign and label your X and Y axes: X axis: Located on the bottom of the graph /horizontal axis Shows the most consistent or independent variable The independent variable occurs no matter if the experiment is occurring or not. It is most often time. Independent variable is controlled by the person conducting the experiment. X Y

Y axis: Located on the side of the graph /vertical axis Shows the variable which is dependent on the other variable. The dependent variable is the one that depends on what happens in the experiment X Y

Example: Independent variable: - time in years Dependent variable: -population size

#2 Make a scale for each axes based upon the data collected. #3 Utilize as much of the graph paper as possible. #4 Plot the data points.

#5 Connect the data points with a straight edge. #6 Give the graph a meaningful title. #7 Provide a key if graphing more than one set of data points on the same graph.

Graphing Practice How far does a soap box car travel after 10 seconds? Time (seconds) Distance (meters) 1 2 8 3 18 4 32 5 50 6 72 7 98 128 9 162 10 200

Meaningful TITLE Label and determine scale of X axis based on data collected Label and determine scale if Y axis based on data collected

Distanced traveled by Soap Box Car 200 Distance in meters 100 Time in seconds 5 10

Q & A 50 30 degrees Rate of photosynthesis What is the rate of photosynthesis at 10C? 50 What is the dependent variable in the graph? Rate of photosynthesis At what temperature is the rate of photosynthesis at its highest? 30 degrees

Do these have The same Information On them?

Graphing and Metric Assessment

Age of fetus in weeks Body Length (mm) Thigh Length (mm) Leg Length Total Length Actual Length 2 - 9 16 20 24 32 38

Time (weeks) Mass (grams) 4 0.5 24 650 8 1 28 1100 12 15 32 1700 16 100 36 2400 20 300 38 3300