1. Aim: How to plot or graph data

2. What is the Scientific Method? “The Road to Knowledge” The Scientific Method is a method of procedure scientist use consisting in observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses. It is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments It is a dynamic process; meaning, there is no definite order to the steps in the scientific method. Scientist jump from one step to another when testing a hypothesis, even formulating a new one.

3. Steps to the Scientific Method Making observations Coming up with a hypothesis and testing it. A hypothesis involves developing an idea or set of ideas that might explain our observations Collect and analyze data. Check results in experiment against your hypothesis: “Do your results agree with your hypothesis?” Start over if you need to.

5. Graphing and Analyzing Data Identify dependent and independent variables Dependent variable – the variable that is being observed during an experiment. Independent variable – the variable that is being changed during an experiment

6. Graphing and Analyzing Data Cont. Labeling the graph Title the graph Label the y-axis (dependent variable) and x-axis (independent variable) Direct relationship; “as one variable increases, the other variable increases” or “as one variable decreases, the other variable decreases” Indirect or inverse relationship; “as one variable increases, the other variable decreases” or “as one variable decreases, the other variable increases”

7. Determining slope of best-fit line 1. Prepare a scatter plot of the data. 2. Using a ruler, draw a straight line (best-fit line) so that the plotted points are as close to the line as possible. 3. Find two points that you think will be on the "best-fit" line. 4. We are choosing the points (1.4, 100) and (3.4, 300). You may choose different points. 5. Calculate the slope of the line through your two points., x 1 = 1.4 and x 2 = 3.4 Y 1 = 100 and Y 2 = 300

9. Mass versus Length of Spaghetti