Graphing Notes

NCVPS Module 1Introduction to Science

Organizing Data• Observing events and making measurements enable scientists

to accumulate vast amounts of data. Data must be organized to enable the scientists to interpret it.

• Data tables and graphs are used to organize scientists’ data.• Data tables and graphs make it easy to spot patterns or trends

in data that can support or disprove a hypothesis.• Simplest form of organizing data is using a table.

Sample Data table: Average Annual Precipitation for Selected CitiesCity Average Annual

Precipitation (mm)

Buffalo, NY 980Houston, TX 1170San Diego, CA 251Tallahassee, FL 1669

Scenario• Students are asked for their favorite cartoon character during

attendance. • Data will be recorded on the board.• Sample data:• Mickey Mouse 3• Bugs Bunny 5• Alvin 8• Buzz Lightyear 9

• How can we represent this data in a graph? • Which graph would be appropriate? • Scientists organize their data by using data tables and graphs.

Types of Graphs• LINE GRAPHS: Useful for showing

the relationship between two variables. • What is the slope? Slope is the steepness

of the line.• The formula for slope:

• Slope= Rise/ Run • Important to note the steepness of the

slope. The steeper the slope the greater the vertical change with respect to the horizontal.

• Direct proportion is a relationship in which the ratio of two variables is constant.

• Inverse proportion is a relationship in which the product of two variables is a constant.

Inverse proportionhttp://www.bedford.k12.va.us/fms/lessons/wpb.html

http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/Algebra1/COURSE_TEXT_RESOURCE/U03_L2_T3_text_container.html

Direct Proportion

Types of Graphs• Bar Graph: Used to compare a set

of measurements, amounts, or changes.

• Circle Graph: A divided circle that shows how a part or share of something relates to the whole. Good way to show how a part of something relates to the whole.

Sample Graphs• Bar Graph• Using the Data from the scenario discussed.

Favorite Cartoon Characters

Character Number of StudentsMickey Mouse 3Bugs Bunny 5Alvin 8Buzz Lightyear 9

Sample Graphs• Line Graph• Plot the high temperatures for five days.

High Temperatures for Five Days

Days High Temperature (F)1 512 483 624 605 59

Sample Graphs • Pie Graph• Graph the percent of ethnic groups within a class room.• Percent of Students

EthnicityPercent of Students

African Afmerican 35

Cacucasian 40

Asian 10

Indian 8

Other 7