Data and Graphs

Data and Graphs

Reading and understanding graphs is fundamental for science literacy. There are various types of graphs, and each of them have specific uses.
Pie graphs show parts of a whole, bar graphs can show comparative data, and line graphs show changes in data over time.

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Parts of a Graph

Tells us how to interpret what we are looking at. It will tell you what color or pattern represents what data

Legend/Key

Should tell us about the data. May give us a hint about the Independent and Dependent Variable

Title

Part of a Graph

​Title

​Legend

Shows us the dependent variable. We measure the results on this axis. There should be units and values here.

Y-axis

Shows us the independent variable. (most of the time)
This is what was manipulated in the experiment. May also show time elapsed.

X-axis

Part of a Graph

​Y-axis

​X-axis

The data must come from a source. The source may be be an experiment, survey, or other collection method.

Source

Graphs are a visual representation of data. The graph should have tick and units of measurement, so that the data can be understood.

Data

Part of a Graph

​Data

​Source

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Observation, Inference & Types of Data

What are the five senses?

Make an observation

Using observations and data to come to a conclusion. Often described as an educated guess.

Inference

Using one's senses or specialized equipment to gain information

Observation

​I saw a lot of people with umbrellas, so I think the forecast calls for rain.

Tells us about something. It may be a physical characteristic or quality.

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Qualitative Data

Open Ended

What are some QUALITATIVE observations you could make about this image?

Tells us something that can be expressed numerically.

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Quantitative
Data

Open Ended

What are some QUANTITATIVE observations you could make about this image?