Graphing Notes Graphs and charts are great because they communicate information visually. For this reason, graphs are often used in science, newspapers, magazines and businesses around the world.

1. Data Tables A. Recording data can be plotted on a graph which is a pictorial representation of information in a data table. B. It is used to show a relationship between two or more different factors.

A. Used for descriptive data (ie. color of cars) 2. Bar graphs A. Used for descriptive data (ie. color of cars) B. X axis = manipulated variable- Horizontal C. Y axis = responding variable- vertical Y axis Y X axis

Multiple information bar graph

3. Line graphs A. Used when data shows how one variable changes in response to another B. x axis = manipulated variable (Horizontal) C. y axis = responding variable (vertical)

4. Circle or Pie graph A. Used like a bar graph B. Slice of the “pie” indicate the percent of the whole

5. Key requirements when creating a graph 1. Pencil 2. Ruler – draw straight lines. 3. Title on graph – short, descriptive. 4. Label both axis with variable and unit. 5. Line graph = connect the data points. 6. Make large graphs – 3 squares in from bottom and 3 squares in from left side. 7. Number the axis in even increments. -2’s, 3’s, 5’s, whatever works for you data 8. X and Y axis do not have to be the same numbers in increments. 9. ALWAYS include a KEY!!!!!