Topic: Data analysis and Graphing EQ: How can properties of matter be measured, graphed, and analyzed?

Bar or Line? Data analysis can show trends and patterns in Science. One of the first things one needs to do when graphing is decide whether to make a bar graph or a line graph.

Bar Graphs are used for comparing This bar graph compares the unemployment rates for people with different levels of education.

Line Graphs Dependent Variable Independent Variable Shows the relationship between 2 variables It shows trends Dependent Variable Independent Variable

Line graphs are used for showing trends This graph shows that the trend is that sales are increasing each year.

Line graphs are used for showing trends This graph shows that the trend is that sales are increasing each year.

Line graphs also show relationships This graph shows the relationship between elevation and temperature. The higher the elevation, the lower the temperature.

How to remember how to set up graphs! TAILS DRY MIX In order to make good graphs, all you have to remember is TIALS, DRY, and MIX

TAILS T is for Title

Point out the title People forget titles about 1/2 the time

TAILS A is for Axis We’ll talk more about the axis later

The Y axis goes up and down The X axis goes side to side

(what is observed and measured) (what is changed by the scientist) Identify the Axes Y- Axis Dependent Variable (what is observed and measured) X- Axis Independent Variable (what is changed by the scientist)

TAILS I is for Interval

Interval means make sure that each line is always worth the same amount… Like here they went by 5’s Look at your minimum and maximum values you set up for both the Y and X-axis.

TAILS L is for Label Don’t forget to add units! People forget to label their axis about 1/3 of the time

TAILS S is for Scale Make your graph big enough to be easily read. Use the whole paper or space instead of putting a tiny graph over in one corner

Scale Decide on an appropriate scale for each axis. The scale refers to the min and max numbers used on each axis. They may or may not begin at zero. The min and max numbers used for the scale should be a little lower than the lowest value and a little higher than the highest value. This allows you to have a smaller range which emphasizes the comparisons/trends in the data.

TAILS T.A.I.L.S. Title Axis Scale Another handy acronym to help you remember everything you need to create your graphs….. T.A.I.L.S. Title Axis Interval Labels Scale

Remember that A was for Axis??? When figuring out what goes on which axis remember: DRY MIX

DRY DRY means that the: Dependent or Responding variable belongs on the Y-axis

The percent depends on the quarter so the percent is the dependent or responding variable and belongs on the Y axis

MIX MIX means that the: Manipulated or Independent variable belongs on the X-axis

The Quarter is what we’re changing or manipulating so it is the independent variable and belongs on the X axis Review TAILS DRY and MIX

DRY MIX One way to remember which data goes on which axis is the acronym DRY MIX. D.R.Y. M.I.X. D- Dependent M- Manipulated R- Responding I- Independent Y- Y-axis X- X-axis

Trouble remembering variable names? Use the Nike slogan: Just DO IT! Dependent = Outcome Independent = Test