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

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. TAILS
T is for Title

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

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

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

13. (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)

14. TAILS
I is for Interval

15. 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.

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

18. 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

20. 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.

21. 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

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

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

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

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

26. 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

27. 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

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