Graphing 101

Graphing basics Use: graph paper a ruler a pencil (be neat) Connect data points using a line or curve of best fit

Setting up a graph DRY Dependent or Resultant variable on the Y-axis MIX Manipulated or Independent variable on the X-axis

Labeling graphs X and Y axis - what was measured & (unit of measurement) First data point - on, or one line in from, the y-axis Descriptive title - states what is on both axes – You can use “dependent variable vs. independent variable”

Space equally Determine total range of numbers – divide by the number of lines on your axis, then round up to the closest number that is easy to work with Plan intervals

Types of graphs Line graph: graphing change over time Bar graph: comparing data of different groups Pie chart: comparing parts of a whole (% that add to 100)

US population by state

Other types

Set up a graph for each and include ALL graphing requirements. If appropriate, add a line that predicts what the data would look like. Average monthly temperature in RI over 12 months Types of birds at a bird feeder in December – chickadee (35%), mourning dove (10%), blue jay (40%), nuthatch (5%), cardinal (10%) Polar bear population over the past 20 years