1. SULTAN Graphing

2. Graphing
Using graphs is a way that scientists analyze their data when using the scientific method.
It is important for deciding whether a hypothesis can be either accepted or rejected.

3. What does SULTAN it mean?
cale
nits
abel
itle
ccuracy
eatness

4. Remember:
Independent Variable - the variable that we change in the experiment (what you know before the experiment).
Dependent Variable - the thing that we measure in the experiment (what you don’t know before the experiment).

5. Axes: The independent variable is placed on the X-axis of the graph.
The dependent variable is placed on the Y-axis.
Dependent variable
Independent variable

6. Scale
Scale is needed to make sure that the information on the graph is readable.
Your graph must fill nearly the whole area.
Numbers must be evenly spaced.

7. Which of these graphs has the best scale?

8. Units
The words or numbers that go on the axes.

9. Label The labels tell us what we are measuring
We don’t know what is being shown on this graph.
Our independent variable could be many different things like days, weeks, minutes, numbers of people.
Temperature (ºC)
Time (min)

10. Title The title tells the reader what the graph shows.
One easy way to make a title is to combine the two labels into a meaningful phrase!
Temperature of Water vs. Time
Time (min)
Temperature (ºC)

11. Accuracy and Neatness
Check your graphs for accuracy and neatness so the reader understands what is being shown.

12. SULTAN The graph is Accurate and Neat Title Rulers should be used!
Label
Scale
Units
Label

13. Legend A graph with more than one set of data needs a legend (key)
__ = mile run with power drink
__= mile run with water
A graph with more than one set of data needs a legend (key)
A legend is a place where we identify what the symbol or color means