Graphing Notes

Scientists collect data, record it in a table, and then make a graph. Graphs make patterns much easier to recognize and to understand.

Making a Graph

1. Study data and decide what type of graph to make.

a) Bar Graph

b) Line Graph

c) Pie Graph

2. Title

3. Draw and label X and Y axis consistently

4. Plot data

Making a Graph, cont…

Y

XLabel

Labe

l

Title- describes what can be found in graph

Bar Graph- used to make comparisons; few data to work with

Line Graph- used to show patterns; can be used with multiple data sets

Pie Graph- used to show parts or proportions of a whole

Bar Graph - Survey

Objective – Create a bar graph based on survey information from your peers.

Guidelines:Choose topic. For example, favorite primetime

TV show. Within that topic, choose at least 7 categories

for peers to choose from.Survey at least 50 peopleOrganize data into a bar graph that includes all

key components of a graph (refer to notes)

Line Graph - Performance Tracker

Objective: Create a line graph to track your test scores throughout the year.

Performance Tracker

Guidelines:X axis: Test NameY axis: Grade (%)Title: Performance Tracker- Your

Name

Performance Tracker

Goal:Keep this Performance Tracker as the

FIRST page in your notebook. Place P.T. in a clear page protector (I will supply you with one, but BONUS POINTS if you bring your own in!)

Use the data to analyze and reflect on your performances and to determine strengths/weaknesses.

Which graph is best for…

Large amounts of data?Showing proportions of a whole?To make comparisons?To show cause-effect relationships?Displaying multiple data sets?