Graphing Basics - Physical Science

Graphing DataShowing patterns & trends

2010-2011

Types of data (information)

Variables dependent variable

measured variable unpredictable change: we don’t know how it will

change until we do the investigation Y-axis

independent variable manipulated variable predictable change: it only

changes because we chose how it would change

X-axis Constant Variables

Remain the same throughout the experiment

Physical Science

The effect of _____________

on _____________

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Examples of experiment - A How does volume of sample affect the mass of

a metal? we set up an experiment massing different size

cubes of the same metal dependent variable (Y-axis)?

Mass of cube independent variable (X-axis)?

Volume of cube)

Physical Science

The effect of _____________

on _____________

volume

Mass of a metal

Examples of experiments -B

How does initial height affect final velocity of a dropped ball? we set up an experiment testing different initial

heights (m) on the final velocity (in m/s) of a dropped basketball: dependent variable (Y-axis)?

Final velocity(m/s) independent variable (X-axis)?

Initial height (m)

Physical Science

The effect of

on ____

Initial Height

Final velocity

Examples of experiments C

What’s the favorite candy bar of students? we set up an experiment surveying students and

asking which is their favorite candy bar : dependent variable (Y-axis)?

number of students independent variable (X-axis)?

type of candy

Physical Science

The effect of _____________

on _____________

Candy Bar type

Number of students

Making pictures out of data

Graphs line graph

Use when data shows a trend or continuous change bar graph (or histograms)

Use when graphing data that is in disconnected groups

Physical Science

Physical Science

How does elevation affect temperature?

elevation

Te

mp

era

ture

(•C

)

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 500 1000 1500 2000 25000

elevation (feet above sea level)

temp.

(°C)

0 30

500 25

1000 20

1500 15

2000 10

2500 5

1200 ft?

18

Line graph!

1200

Physical Science

Which Candy Bar do you like best?

nu

mb

er

of

stu

den

ts

1

2

3

4

5

6

Almond JoyMilky Way Kit Kat Snickers M&Ms0

Brand number

Almond Joy 1

Milky Way 1

Kit Kat 4

Snickers 4

M&M’s 3

Reese’s Cup??

RCRC

Bar graph!