Name:__________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Period:_____________
UNIT 3: GRAPHING
STUDY GUIDE
What you will need to know:
RESOURCES:
 Why we use graphs
 Difference between X and Y Axes
o Which one the dependent variable is plotted on
o Which one the independent variable is plotted on
o Which axis time is always plotted on
 Parts of a Bar Graph
 What bar graphs are used for
 Parts of a Line Graph
 What line graphs are used for
 How to make a data table from raw data
 How to find patterns in data by looking at a line graph
 What circle graphs are used for
CLASS NOTES
WORKSHEETS
TEXTBOOK
What you will need:
1. Calculator
2. An index card that you create. It can only have:
a. The formulas for determining the width of bars and spaces on a bar graph.
b. The formulas for determining proportions of “pie slices” in a circle graph.
3. Ruler (supplied for you)
4. Protractor (supplied for you)
Review Questions
1. What are three reasons to use graphs? (from class notes)
 To visually communicate information.

They are useful for displaying numerical information.

Graphs make it easier to detect patterns in data.
2. Write which type of graph is best for the type of data described below. (circle, bar, or line?)

Proportion of parts to a whole
circle

Temperature change over time
line

Comparing categories that do not change continuously
bar

Comparing average quiz grades for class periods
bar

Population change over time
line

Mass of a specific material when volume changes
line (cause and effect)
Name:__________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Period:_____________
3. Examine the data tables. Write what type of graph would be best for displaying the information.
Population of each species of mammal on an island
Wolves
Bats
Rabbits
Deer
Sheep
Raccoon
14
54
32
27
16
23
Black
Bear
6
Cattle
Squirrel
35
41
A bar graph should be used because it compares information across categories.
Population of Wild Alaskan Salmon over Time
Year
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Salmon Population
(millions)
537
482
436
380
398
425
461
What type of graph should be used?
A bar graph should be used because the data shows how
separate categories continuously change over time.
Energy Source Usage by Type in India (2009)
Energy Source
Percent of
Total Usage
Coal
42%
Combustible
Renewable Waste
24%
Oil
Natural Gas
Other
24%
7%
3%
What type of graph should be used? _____________________
A circle graph should be used because it shows proportions of
a whole
Name:__________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Period:_____________
4. Match each data table with the correct graph. Write the missing information on the graph. (Title, axis labels,
or key)
U.S. Energy Consumption by Type (2010)
Energy Source
Percent
Petroleum (Oil)
37%
Natural Gas
25%
Coal
21%
Nuclear
9%
Renewable Energy
8%
Temperature of Water Over time
Time
(minutes)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Temperature (°C)
98
94
90
87
83
79
76
71
68
65
63
Favorite Pittsburgh Sports Team
8th Graders
7th Graders
Penguins
37
31
Pirates
21
29
Steelers
23
17
Riverhounds
7
5
Pitt
11
24
Other
4
3
Temperature of Water over Time
Favorite Pittsburgh Sports Team
40
35
100
Number of Votes
Temperature (degrees C)
120
80
60
40
20
30
Key:
Dark: 8th Gradeers
Light: 7th Graders
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
4
6
8
10 12 14 16 18 20
0
Time (Minutes)
U.S. Energy Consumption By Type
Petroleum
Natural Gas
8%
9%
37%
Coal
21%
Nuclear
25%
Renewable
Name:__________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Period:_____________
5. The graphs below show temperature over time. Match the graph with the pattern below.
Graph A
Graph B
Graph C

Temperature is constant in Graph A

Temperature is increasing with time in Graph C

Temperature is decreasing with time in Graph B
6. Johnny did the 24 Hour No Technology Challenge on Columbus Day. He went kayaking with his family in
Northwest PA and observed what was happening in nature. He recorded information in a notebook and then
later organized it into three data tables.
DIRECTIONS: Use the data tables to create one circle graph, bar graph, and one line graph on a separate piece
of paper. Then, write three facts based on the information from each graph under the graphs.
Circle Graph
Type of
Animal
Ducks
Deer
Blue Heron
Turtles
Number that were
Seen
15
2
5
8
Line Graph
Depth Across a Stream
Distance from Shore Water Depth
(meters)
(meters)
1
0.55
2
0.75
3
0.95
4
1.15
5
1.35
6
1.35
7
1.30
8
1.20
9
0.85
10
0.60
BAR GRAPH
Cell Phone Users
Walkers
Users
21
Joggers
11
Bikers
2
Boaters
3
Sports
Players
2
Name:__________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Period:_____________
Water Depth Across a
Stream
“Water depth across a stream” Graph
Facts: (these vary)
1.6
Water Depth (meters)
1.4
1. The depth was lowest on the edges of the
stream
2. The water depth changed more gradually
from 0-4 m, than from 8-10 m.
3. The water was deepest in the middle of the
stream.
4. The steepest gradient was from 8-9 m.
5. The deepest part of the stream was 1.35 m.
6. The stream was 10 m across.
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
DIstance from Shore (meters)
Cell Phone Users Spotted
Cell Phone Users vs Non-Users at
a Park
24
25
Number of People
Number of Users
20
16
12
8
20
15
10
5
4
0
0
Walkers Joggers Bikers Boaters Sports
Players
Cell Phone Users Graph (there are two graphs to match the two study guides)
Note: to make a double bar graph, the width of each bar that is measured out is divided into two.
Facts: (these vary)
1. There were more walkers using their cell phones than others.
2. There were 11 Joggers seen using their cell phones.
3. Very few sports players and bikers were seen using their cell phones.
4. The percent of users vs. non-users was greatest with sports players.
5. Walkers were the only group that had more users than non-users.
Users
Non-Users
Name:__________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Period:_____________
Animals that Johnny Saw
Ducks
Deer
Blue Heron
Turtles
27%
50%
17%
6%
“Animals Seen” graph
Note: (% = part / whole) (degrees = percent in decimal form x 360)
Facts: (these vary)
1. Johnny saw more ducks than any other animal.
2. Johnny saw four types of animals
3. 27% of animals he saw were turtles.
4. 17% were Blue Heron.
5. 6% were Deer.
6. Johnny saw more animals that live in near (heron) water than land animals (deer).