1. What kind of graph should I make? Data Literacy Project Mini-lesson 1 (Instruction)

2. The best kind of graph to use depends on what kind of question you are asking. 1. Variability within a group?  frequency plot 2. Compare groups?  2 frequency plots or 1 bar graph 3.Correlation between two variables?  scatter plot 4. Change through time?  line graph

3. 1. Variability within a group FREQUENCY PLOTS (dot plot, histogram, box & whisker) How much rainfall does Bangor get during the month of July? Data source: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/stationlocator.html Bar graph Dot plot

4. FREQUENCY PLOTS Dot plot, histogram, box & whisker plot How much rainfall does Bangor get during the month of July? (NOTE: Y-axis = counts)

5. 2. Compare groups in a single variable Two FREQUENCY PLOTS or a BAR GRAPH During which month does Bangor receive more precipitation, July or September?

6. 3. Are two variables correlated? SCATTER PLOTS Is the mileage (miles per gallon) a car gets related to its weight? Data source: US Environmental Protection Agency, epa.gov

7. 4. Change through time LINE GRAPHS How has the rate of Chlamydia infections in Maine changed through time? Data source: US Center for Disease Control from http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/help/stdm.html

8. 5. How something is divided into parts PIE CHART or STACKED BAR GRAPH How much of Maine’s electricity is generated by renewable fuels? Sources of fuel for electricity generation in Maine (2010) Data source: US Energy Information Agency (eia.gov)