1. Graphing the Right Way
The TASTE Method

2. Let’s Take a Look at a Graph.
We might need some more information here!

3. Let’s Add the Key (Legend)!
What does this tell us?
Can we make any conclusions?

4. Maybe a Title Will Help…
Not really specific…
Do we know any more than we did before?

5. Now Let’s Add Some Scales!
What do you notice about the DIFFERENCES between the numbers?
What do you notice about the SPACES between the numbers?
Can we make any conclusions yet?

6. What Do Those Numbers Mean?
Y-axis is…
X-axis is…
NOW we can make some conclusions!

7. The TASTE Method of Graphing
T = Title
A = Axes
S = Scale
T = Trends
E = Explain/Predict

8. Title In science, we name a graph by the y-axis vs. the x-axis
What would the title of this graph be?

9. Axes The y-axis and x-axis need to be labeled with…
What they are measuring
Units in parentheses

10. Scale The number scales on the axes need to…
Start with zero unless you are told otherwise
Have equal intervals between the numbers
By 2’s, 5’s or 10’s is a good place to start
Have equal spaces between the numbers

11. Some other things to remember
Time
Is ALWAYS on the x-axis!
Time is the measurement; days, hours, or minutes are the units!
Line Graphs—used to show changes over time or changes in related items
There needs to be a line
CONNECT THE DOTS!
Next year you will do a “line of best fit”
Bar Graphs—used when there are separate categories to be compared

12. Trends
A trend is a general statement about what is happening in the graph.
As vehicles get older, what happens to the number of problems?

13. Explain/Predict Make specific conclusions about the graph
Which make of car has the most problems? The fewest?
What will likely be the number of problems with Hyundais after 10 years?

14. You will have all of the necessary tools to make and analyze a graph!
Put it all together…
T = Title
A = Axes
S = Scale
T = Trends
E = Explain/Predict
You will have all of the necessary tools to make and analyze a graph!