Ask an Expert: Graphing Test Groups

If there is one bar graph showing the averages of the three test plates of six groups, would another bar graph showing each test plate be graph overkill or should this last info be in table form? In other words, is it fine to have two bar graphs: one for the averages and one for each culture dish within each group? Thanks. One more question: Can the photo samples be under the heading "Data" or is that heading only reserved for graphs and charts? Thanks for your time and patience.

Hi Chili,
Being thorough with your graphs in a lab report is fine, but when you are putting graphs on a science fair board for display, as in a competition, you don't want to overwhelm the reader, so I suggest that you just include the graph of the averages. The photos of your experiment can be under data if you'd like, it does not really matter. Good luck.
-jsnell