Numbers in Science

Why Do We Collect Data?

We collect data to analyze test results, calculate averages, compare our data with other sets of data, and to prove our hypothesis

Data is collected, organized, and represented in a meaningful way by making graphs.

What is an Average?

An average is the total measured amount divided by the number of trials.

Trial Yards Thrown

1 30

2 45

3 13

Avg. 29.3

How did we find it?

Trial Yards Thrown

1 30

2 45

3 13

Avg. 29.3

30 +45+13 = 88

88/3 = 29.3 to find the %, multiply by 100 29.3%

Using Tables to Organize Data

Tables are the most practical way to organize your data

It makes the numbers easier to read and makes graphing your data easier

Graphing DataData can be visualized using graphs

Three main types of graphsBar Graph

Line Graph

Pie Graph

Bar GraphsNumerical values are represented by the height of a “bar”

Month Number of Scoops Sold

May 54

June 120

July 342

August 220

September 48

We can turn this table of data into a bar graph

Line Graphs

Pie ChartsUse a pie chart to display percentages

Graphs and Tables Cont.

Graphs and tables should ALWAYS contain a title and axis labels

Keep is simple and to the point

Is My Data Accurate?

To determine if your data is accurate you must think about how you conducted the experiment

Was there anything that could have thrown off your data?

Environment

User error

Precision of instruments