Graphing in Science
XKCD
Graphing is important in science
because:
1.allows you to
visualize data
2.allows for
comparison of
experimental
results
Kinds of Graphs in Science…
It is
common in
science to
use two
main types
of graphs
Line graph
These mostly graph
numbers stuff.
They compare two
variables. They can
show how stuff
changes over time.
Kinds of Graphs in Science…
It is common
in science to
use two
main types
of graphs
Bar graph
They make
comparisons
between different
variables very easy
to see.
Graphing basics…
1. Graphs have an X and Y axis
The Y axis is
the Vertical
axis.. Just
remember… a
Y needs a leg
to stand on
Y
The X axis is the horizontal axis
Parts of a Graph that you MUST have to get full
credit…
Title: This must reflect what the X and Y axis are all about.
Other people should be able to figure out what is plotted without
asking you.
Titles of graphs are usually "Y versus X“.
Y Label
Units if needed
X Label
Units if needed
Graphing basics
Here’s a trick to remember how to set up a graph… just
remember
DRY
MIX
Graphing basics
DRY MIX stands for…
D ependent variable
Responding Item
Y- axis
M anipulated item
Independent variable
X - axis
The perfect MIX… a
DRY but graph-able
mix
Graphing basics
Number of contaminatesvolcanic lake
Lets practice determining
independent and dependent
variables
Amount of lead in the soil- landfill
locations
Number of math problems Homework assignment
IQ points- Shoe size
Planets – solar system
Graphing basics… Let’s practice
A student conducts an experiment and collects the
following data…
Let’s
PRACTICE!!!
!
Homework problems assigned Time in hours
10 problems
1
25 problems
2
5 problems
3
35 problems
4
15 problems
5
How would we put this data
into graph form?
Graphing basics…
First… determine the variables:
Homework Problems per Day of the Week
Next… set up your graph
then… plot your data
35
30
25
Homework 20
Problems 15
10
5
0
DRY
1
2
3 4
Time
MIX
5
(hours)
Graphing basics… Let’s practice
A coach conducted research on the relationship between
sprained ankles and the number of hours practicing in
sports.
Sprained Ankles
1
2
3
4
5
Hours practicing
5
10
12
20
24
How would we put data into
graph form?
Graphing basics…
First… determine the variables:
Number of sprained ankles and hours in practice
Next… set up your graph
then… plot your data
DRY
Number of
sprained
Ankles
5
4
3
2
1
0
5 10 15 20
Hours in practice
MIX
25
Make your own graph
Number of sales
28
15
56
15
5
34
Date
June 23
June 24
June 25
June 26
June 27
June 28