Graphing in Science
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This document provides instructions on plotting data using line graphs and column graphs. It explains that line graphs are used for continuous data plotted on x and y axes, while column graphs are used to show categorical data. The key points are: - Graphs visualize data better than numbers alone - Line graphs connect data points with a line of best fit for continuous variables - Column graphs use bar heights to show relative frequencies of categorical data - Histograms are similar to column graphs but used for continuous data with no gaps between columns
Graphing in Science
- 1. HAILEYBURY LINE & COLUMN GRAPHS LO: Plot data accurately using the appropriate graph type
- 2. What does this information tell you? Years since new power station opened. Number of fish in local lake. 3 396 7 386 9 382 21 358 30 ?
- 3. • People are much better at reading images and shapes compared to raw numbers.
- 4. • Graphs always tell you two pieces of information. That is why there are two ‘axes’ • Vertical axis – the variable that you measure. Dependent variable. (E.g. mm of rain) • Horizontal axis – the variable you change. Independent variable. Line graphs are only used when the data (information) is ‘continuous’
- 5. In science we don’t actually plot from point to point as the results are rarely ‘perfect’. There are many factors influencing the result collected. We just draw a straight line (a line of best fit). Try to go through as many points as you can. If there are any left over – put the same number of plots either side of your line. Line of best fit
- 6. Column Graphs • A column graph is a graphical display of data using bars of different heights. • It is a really good way to show relative sizes – the most frequent occurrence is the tallest column. • Column graphs are good to use when your data is in ‘categories’ (such as “Soccer”, “Softball”, etc.)
- 7. Column Graph vs Histogram • When your data is continuous (such as a person’s height) then it is best to use a Histogram • As you can see from the example above, because people can have a range of heights, the columns are touching (there’s no gap between them).
- 8. Graphs MUST... 1. Always have a suitable title 2. Always show the units of measurement 3. Always have the axes labelled. 4. Always be immaculately neat. 4. Always be done in pencil and ruler. That spells T.U.L.I.P.
- 9. Graph this!