Steps for Making and Interpreting a Graph

Collect your data through experimentation or observations.

Select an appropriate graph type. Pie Graph-When you are trying to show parts of a whole.

Bar Graph- When your data is made up of specific items in a category.

Line Graph- Used when your data is measured continuously.

Scatter Plot- Used when your data does not fit with any of the above choices

Title your graph. Dependent Variable Vs. Independent Variable

Label your graph's axis Dependent variable is located on the vertical axis. Independent variable is located on the horizontal axis. Make sure you include units.

D.V. I.V. Units D.V. I.V. Units

Label your graph's intervals In order to easily read your graph, the data ranges must take up all available space. The easiest way to do this is to set your intervals correctly.

Both of your axes must start at 0 on the bottom left corner. If your data is far from zero you can use a "broken axis" symbol to show that you skipped some numbers.

Calculate your interval  Find the range of your data by subtracting your smallest data point from your biggest data point. Calculate the number of useable lines that you have on your axis by counting the total number of lines and subtracting 2. Divide your range by the number of useable lines on your axis. This number is the exact interval between each line. Round your interval up

Ds= Smallest Data Point L= Number of Lines I= Exact Interval Db= Biggest Data Point Ds= Smallest Data Point L= Number of Lines I = (Db –Ds) (L - 2)

Label your intervals at the end of the line; do not "float" number between lines.

Plot Data Plot your point using the smallest point possible that you can see. Sharpen your pencil. Use a fine tip pen or marker. Follow the horizontal axis right until you reach your number. Move straight up until you reach the appropriate number on the vertical axis.

Practice TIME!