Tables and Graphs

Representing Data Tables provide a summary of a set of data. The number of rows and columns can be adjusted to fit your data. Bar graphs make it easy to compare different categories by looking at the length of each bar. Line graphs compare trends over time. You can have one line or many depending on the information presented. Tables and graphs are ways to present information so numerical data can easily be understood. Instead of including a paragraph listing a series of numbers, you might present these numbers in a table or graph. The format you choose will depend on the data you’re trying to display. Sets of numbers can be put into a table and left that way, or a table can be used to create a graph. No matter which type of format you choose, remember that you must include labels (row and column labels in a table or a label for each axis in a graph) as well as a legend so that anyone looking at the table or graph understands the information being presented. Let’s look at each type more closely. Maybe use these types of icons throughout somehow?

Tables Type of Spam July August Internet 14 22 Other 28 32 Scams 18 20 Products 40 39 Spiritual 2 Financial 30 Leisure 16 Adult 24 Health This table shows the number and type of spam (unsolicited “junk” email) received by the same 200 people in July and August. Let’s see if you are familiar with the parts of a table. Click on a column label<type of spam, July, August all correct> Feedback: A label at the top of each column tells you what type of information is in that column. Click on a row label <all items down the left> Feedback: A label at the far right or left tells you what type of information is in that row. Click on the month in which more financial spam was received. <July> Feedback: To find this information, you need to find the Financial row, and then compare the numbers. The table helps you easily find and compare the information. Click on the number that represents Internet spam for August. Feedback: The cell in the Internet row and August column shows that number. Clickable graphic with popup feedback

Bar Graphs A B C D Semester 1 8 12 2 1 Semester 2 5 10 3 Semester 3 6 4 Matt—can we give them this table and the pieces of the graph (next slide) and have them drag and drop the pieces into place? If not, use just the next slide for the bar graph section You don’t have to separate everything but if you could break it up a bit so they drag and drop parts of it into place, that would help them see how it should be built Use the table to put the parts of the graph into the correct places.

Bar Graphs This bar graph shows the grades for a math class in three different semesters. See if you can answer questions about this graph. Click on the vertical axis label<Line at the left, semesters> Feedback: The semester numbers are on the vertical axis. Click on the bar that shows C grades for Semester 2. Feedback: Look for Semester 2 on the vertical axis and check which color represents C grades. Click on the A bar for the semester with the most A grades. Feedback: The bar for A grades is longest in Semester 3. Click on the bar that represents four C grades. Feedback: Four students received a C in Semester 3.

Line Graphs This line graph shows the average monthly temperatures for Phoenix, Arizona. Test yourself on the parts of a line graph. Click on the name of the month that had the highest average temperature.<July> Feedback: July had the highest at 106 degrees. Click on the horizontal axis. <line at the bottom> Feedback: Months are listed along the horizontal axis on this graph. Click on coldest average high temperature <67> Feedback: The average high was the lowest in December at 67 degrees. Click on the name of the month in which the difference between the average high and low was the greatest. Feedback: In June, the average high and low were 27 degrees apart.

Summary Choose the type of graphic representation based on your data. Use labels to help your reader interpret the data. Select colors, layouts, and formatting that make your data easy to read. Tables, bar graphs, and line graphs can all be used to summarize and compare numerical information. You should select the format that accomplishes what you want to do—summarize or compare. When creating your table or graph, include labels so that your reader knows what information is included. The colors, layouts, and formatting you use should make your table or graph visually appealing and easy to read.