Graphing

Bar Graph

A graph in which bars are used to represent data. A bar graph is usually used to compare different objects.

Line Graph

a graph using points connected by line segments. A line graph is usually used to show how something changes over time.

Pie Chart

a graph in which parts of a whole are represented as "slices" of a pie. A pie chart usually shows percentage or fraction data. Also called "circle graphs."

Scale

The amount represented by each unit on an axis.

Scatter plot

A graph of two-variable data. Used to show relationships between two variables.

Variable

A value that can change.

Line graph

Used to display continuous or overlapping data

-line illustrates relationship between independent and dependent variable.

-intervals between recorded data have value and meaning.

-2 axes-1) horizontal or x-axis and 2) vertical or y-axis

-indep. variable on x-axis

-dependent variable plotted on y-axis

Bar graph

Used to display discrete (discontinuous) data

-displays data that does not overlap

-uses bar to show value, amount or size of dep. variable for each indep. variable

-intervals between bars lack value and meaning

-2 axis, 1) horizontal or x-axis and 2) vertical or y-axis

Histogram

Special bar graph in which bars touch to show continuous data Both bars can be drawn vertically and horizontally, this year you will only use vertical bars when contstructing.

Circle or pie graph

-Data usually expressed as a percent

-percentages total 100% unless derived from rounded numbers

Elements of graph

1)Title

2)Determine proper scale-needs to be

-easy to plot and read

-choose scale that graph fills as much of graph paper as possible, unless instructed differently

-Each indiv. axis, spaces must have same value

3) Designate numerical value of point of origin where two axes intersect (sometimes may not be 0)

4)Label x asis with Indep. variable and y axis with depended variable

5)When labeling, place outside the line

6) Plot the data

Observations

Using one or more of your senses (taste, touch, sight hearing or smelling)

Independent variable

Experimenter purposefully changes

Depended varialbe

The response to the change.

Hypothesis

Educated guess; Write if in an "If...then" statement.

Data

Collecting information (ex. measurements of height)

Conclusion

Final Summary of the experiment; when you decide whether or not the data supported your hypothesis

Constants

The factors that remain the same in an experiment

Repeated trails

Number of times the experiment is done

control

Trial with no independent variables

Circle graph

shows how a part relates to a whole

Line graph

Shows change over time

Bar graph

shows amounts, quantities, etc.

Scientific Method

Question

Hypothesis

Experiment

Data Analysis

Conclusion

Hypothesis

Prediction about the outcome of an experiment

Manipulated Variable

Factor that is changed in an experiment (independent variable)

Responding variable

What you measure or observe to obtain your results

Controlled variables(the control)

Keeping all variables the same except the manipulated variable

Observation

What the person performing the activity sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes

Data

Measurements and other Observations

Conclusion

Statement that sums up when you learn from an experiment.