Ch 1 G’raph Science

Graph Types Graphs are used to turn number data into number “pictures”. There are three main types of graphs: Line Graphs = track data over time, with dots connected by lines Bar Graphs = count things between similar groups, with different bar heights. Circle Graphs (or Pie Charts) = compare parts of a whole thing (as Percents).

Line Graph

Bar Graph

Circle Graph or Pie Chart

Graph Parts Most Line and Bar graphs have the same basic parts: Your Name, Hour, and Date Title (include info from x-label and y-label) X-axis label (independent variable on the horizontal axis) X-axis scale (numbers or words spread evenly) Y-axis label (dependent variable on the vertical axis) Y-axis scale (numbers or words spread evenly) Graph or Graphs Key or Legend (to tell graphs apart using colors or dots)

Graph Extras Graphs should fill the page as much as possible. Time usually goes on the x-axis (seconds, minutes, hours, days, years). Write the value of each bar above the bar. Most bar graphs have vertical bars, but some are horizontal. Circle graphs should have no more than 8 to 10 pie slices. Multiply each percent by 360 to find the angle size of each slice. All of the percents should add up to 100. All of the angles should add up to 360.

Ch 1 Graphing Analysis: On separate paper, use complete sentences and all graph parts. When should you use a line graph? When should you use a bar graph? When should you use a circle graph? Graph this table as a line graph: Motion of an Object Time (s) Object A Distance (m) Object B Distance (m) 4 3 8 7 9 12 15 16 13 22