Controlled Experiment Guide and Notes
6. Making a Line Graph: A line graph is one way
to show the relationship between the
manipulated/independent variable and the
responding/dependent variable. It helps us
visualize the patterns of change.
NOTES:
1. TITLE: Give each graph a title that describes the data
being displayed.
2. Label Axes: Label horizontal and vertical axes with a
description of the data being plotted and the units of
measure. Manipulated/Independent variable goes on
the horizontal, or x axis, and the responding/dependent
variable goes on the vertical, or y axis. EXCEPT if time is
the responding/dependent variable.. then it is always
on the horizontal, x axis
3. Draw the L: This is where you draw the lines that will
show the axes.
4. Set Scale: Set the scale for each axis with even divisions,
letting the highest measured value in the data fit on the
axis.
Make sure all space on the x and y axis are equal, even if
they are not marked in the same intervals.
Make scaling of the axes start from zero at the
intersection of the axes (called the origin) and increase in
value, moving right on the x axis and upward on the y
axis.
5. Plot the Dot: Plot the location of each data point on the
graph with a small dot.
To account for some natural variability in data values,
place small circles around the data to make it easier to
join points with smooth curves
Example:
Please see example on the graph paper on the
back of this sheet.
Questions?
CLAIM, EVIDENCE, AND REASONING
CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT: HEIGHT OF INCLINED PLANE
Experimental Question: How will the height of the inclined plane affect the time it takes a car
to get down the inclined plane?
CLAIM: A statement or conclusion
that answers the original
question/problem.
Write a sentence stating how the
height of the inclined plane affected
the time it took the car to travel
down in.
Evidence: Scientific data that
supports the claim. The data
needs to be appropriate and
sufficient to support the claim.
Use complete sentences to
explain the data from your
controlled experiment including
the height of the inclined plane
and the time it took the car to
travel down. This should support
your claim!
Reasoning: A justification that
connects the evidence to the
claim. It shows why the data
counts as evidence by using
appropriate and sufficient
scientific principles.
(At this time you may have more
questions or ideas about why your
claim happened instead of
justifications. Write them down!
What do you need to know in
order to justify your claim?)