1. GRAPHING DATA

2. After the data is organized into a data table, a graph is created Graphs give a visual image of the observations (data) which helps the scientist interpret the data and draw conclusions Two types of graphs are used to illustrate data: Bar graphs Line graphs

3. BAR GRAPHS Used for descriptive data Comes from research questions asking about variables that will be counted “How many students prefer each color?” “How many books did students read over the summer?”

4. LINE GRAPHS Used for continuous data Comes from research questions asking about variables that will be investigated over time “How does the temperature of New York change over the course of the year?” “How does the number of words a person speaks change as they get older?”

5. BAR GRAPH OR LINE GRAPH?

11. HOW TO MAKE A BAR GRAPH Let’s say you collected data on your classmates’ favorite kinds of food Determine what kind of graph you will need (bar or line) Bar, because you are going to count how many people like each kind of food Draw a large box, or “L” shape Label axes; include units X-axis (horizontal line) Independent variable The kind of food Y-axis (vertical line) Dependent variable Number of people Plot data Choose a scale that’s appropriate for your data Title Should be specific to the data Classmates’ Favorite Kinds of Food

12. EXAMPLE BAR GRAPH Number of People Kind of Food

13. HOW TO MAKE A LINE GRAPH Let’s say you collected data on how a runner’s speed changes over the course of an hour long run Determine what kind of graph you will need (bar or line) Line, because it’s showing a change over time Draw a large box, or “L” shape Label axes; include units X-axis (horizontal line) Independent variable Time (minutes) Y-axis (vertical line) Dependent variable Runner’s Speed (meters per second) Plot data Choose a scale that’s appropriate for your data Title Should be specific to the data Change in a runner’s speed over time

14. EXAMPLE LINE GRAPH Speed (m/s) Time (minutes)

15. NOW IT’S TIME TO GRAPH THE DATA YOU COLLECTED! WHAT TYPE OF GRAPH WILL YOU USE? DON’T FORGET A TITLE, AND LABELS FOR BOTH AXES!