Graphing in Science

General Rules

1. Every graph should have a title. The dependent variable should be lifted first, the independent variable listed second. 2. Each axis (x and y) should be labeled. 3. The independent variable always goes on the x-axis and the dependent variable goes on the y-axis. 4. Some graphs may need a key to explain colors or symbols. 5. Determine the range of your data. in order to determine how big a graph to make, we need to determine how much the numbers will vary.

Bar Graph

Bar graphs are used to compare things between different groups or to track changes over time. Bar graphs are used when your data is in categories. They also have spaces between the bars.

Histograms

Histograms are used when you have continuous data. They also have no spaces between the bars.

Line Graph

Line graphs are used to track changes over periods of time. All data points are connected.

Pie Graph

Pie charts are best to use when you are trying to compare parts of a whole.

Scatter Plot

Scatter plots are used to see if relationships exist between two variables. Data points are plotted and a best fit line is drawn.