1. Using T.A.I.L.S. to construct a perfect graph
Scientific Graphs
Using T.A.I.L.S. to construct a perfect graph
(adapted from

2. When to use… Line Graphs For continuous data
useful for showing trends over time
Bar graphs
Used to show data that are not continuous.
Allows us to compare data like amounts or frequency or categories
Allow us to make generalizations about the data
Help us see differences in data

3. How to set up your graph!

4. (This is for your dependent variable)
How to set up your graph!
Y Axis
(This is for your dependent variable)

5. How to set up your graph! X Axis
(This is for your independent variable)

6. T.A.I.L.S.
Distance vs. Time for three paper aeroplanes
T - Title

7. T.A.I.L.S.
Distance vs. Time for three paper aeroplanes
T - Title
A - Axis
Y Axis = Dependent Variable
X Axis = Independent Variable

8. Decide on an appropriate scale for each axis.
T.A.I.L.S.
Distance vs. Time for three paper aeroplanes
Decide on an appropriate scale for each axis.
Choose a scale that lets you make the graph as large as possible for your paper and data
T - Title
A – Axis
S – Scale

9. Distance for Plane A (m)
How to determine scale
Scale is determined by your highest & lowest number.
In this case your scale for time would be from 8 to 65.
Distance for Plane A (m)
Time for Plane A (s) 50 65 42 58 35 46 21 33 5 8

10. T.A.I.L.S. T – Title A – Axis I – Interval S – Scale
Distance vs. Time for three paper aeroplanes
The amount of space between one number and the next or one type of data and the next on the graph.
The interval is just as important as the scale
Choose an interval that lets you make the graph as large as possible for your paper and data
T – Title
A – Axis
I – Interval
S – Scale

11. How to determine Intervals
The interval is decided by your scale.
In this case your scale would be from 8 to 65 and you want the scale to fit the graph.
The best interval would be in 5’s from 0 to 65. (65÷5=13 intervals)
Distance for Plane A (m)
Time for Plane A (s) 50 65 42 35 46 21 30 5 8

12. T.A.I.L.S. T – Title A – Axis I – Interval L – Labels S – Scale
Label axes with the variable being measured and the units of measurement