Observations: While testing (before & during), observations of what is happening must be recorded.•Use all senses: Touch, Sight, Smell, Hearing, Taste

•Qualitative (description of what it’s like – words)

•Quantitative (How much, measurements - #’s)•Use measuring devices/tools: scale, ruler, clock, etc..

Analyzing Data

Variables:•Independent The things you change in an experiment

• EX: measuring different types baseball bats (wood, aluminum, composite)

•Dependent The measurements you take in an experiment

• EX: how far a baseball travels after being hit

Data Tables- Uses Columns & Rows to record the numbers from the experiment test•Review your data. Try to look at the results of your experiment with a critical eye. Ask yourself these questions:

Is it complete, or did you forget something? Do you need to collect more data?

•Calculate an average for the different trials of your experiment•Label all columns & rows in the tables. •Include the units of measurement and a title.

Independent variable (IV) Independent variable (IV) = = What changes - What changes - on left side of tableEX: Day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc…

Dependent variable (DV) = Dependent variable (DV) = What is measured What is measured – on right side of tableEX: Number of calories

Analyzing Data

Table 1: The average number of calories that students (ages 6-12) eat per day for both lunch and dinner.

Data Graphs- Uses blocks, bars, lines, circles, etc to record the numbers from the experiment test•Include an average for the different trials of your experiment•Label all columns & rows in the tables. And, include the units of measurement Create a Title & Caption•Place your independent variable (what changes) on the x-axis of your graph and the dependent variable (what is measured) on the y-axis•If you have more than one set of data, show each series in a different color or symbol and include a legend with clear labels.

Analyzing Data

GRAPH 1: The average number of calories of French fries from different chains of fast food.

Independent Variable

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Independent Variable

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GRAPH 2: The average number of calories that people eat per day between the years of 1960 and 2000.

Helpful Hints:1)Use Microsoft Excel or Google spreadsheet program. If not, use a RULER2)In a graph, use even increments (pattern) on the x & y axis 3)If using a line graph connect the dots.4)Label everything (including the units)5)INCLUDE AN AVERAGE 6)Write a title7)Add a caption

Analyzing Data

More trials (times that you repeat an experiment) can be added to the right of the table