1. Graphing in Science: Presenting DATA

2. What are graphs? -A graph is a visual way of presenting DATA. -It is one of the ways by which scientists communicate results. “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

3. Graphs are pictures that help us understand amounts. These amounts are called data. There are many kinds of graphs, each having special parts and used for specific reasons.

4. KINDS OF GRAPHS 1.Circle Graph - is shaped like a circle [DUH!]. - It is divided into fractions that look like pieces of pie, so sometimes a circle graph is called a pie graph. - Many times the fractional parts are of different colors and a key that explains the diff. colored parts. Circle graphs show the relative amounts making up a whole.

5. Try this! 1.Based on the graph, which gas accounts for most of the mass of our atmosphere? 2.Is Carbon dioxide a significant component of the atmosphere? 3.How does the amount of Oxygen compare with the amount of Nitrogen? 4.How might deforestation and the continuous burning of fossil fuels affect atmospheric composition as described by the chart? composition by mass…

6. BAR GRAPHBAR GRAPH A bar graph uses bars to show data. The bars can be vertical (up and down), or horizontal (across). The data can be in words or numbers. A bar graph is useful for displaying data side- by-side for comparison.

7. Try this! Pay careful attention to the scale used! Start by reading the title- REALLY! Know what is being compared!

8. From: Virginia State Released Test

9. 3. A picture graph uses pictures or symbols to show data. One picture often stands for more than one unit so a key is necessary to understand the quantities. What could happen if you ignored the KEY in this pictograph?

10. LINE GRAPH A line graph shows points plotted on a graph. The points are then connected by a line. Line graph shows trends.

11. The trend can be… Steadily increasingSteadily decreasing

12. CST spits out so many line graphs! 1. It is very important to read the title- REALLY! 2. Pay attention to the AXES- REALLY! 3. Look for a KEY and read it! Really! 4. Most importantly, look at trends! Are values going up? Going down? Running up and down?

13. What is this graph trying to say? The motion of a toy car over time… 2008 Physical Science CST Q1. Is the toy car moving at all? Q2. Did the car return to the same spot it started from? Q3. Describe the car’s motion from the 4 th to the 10 th s?

14. List 3 kinds of information this graph is conveying… What is the optimum percent of vitamin supplement that should be used to promote the biggest weight gain?

15. Now…try this! 2005 CST Biology Released Questions Key is over here…Don’t forget!

16. CST Biology, 2008 This graph looks weird! It’s still conveying information though!