What kind of graphs and charts can I use for my data?

[kameronmiller]

Hello,

My experiment is on candy chromatography using m&m's. I have done my research and conducted my experiment several times and have gotten my results.

But I'm not too sure about what information to use on a graph as my data. Or do I really need a graph? I'm trying to determine what color dyes are used in green, brown, orange and blue m&m candies and then I measure the Rf values for each color candy. I've found that the brown, green and orange m&m's are made of more than one color dye, but the blue m&m is made of only one color.

But how do I put this in a graph or chart? Could I use the color of the candy dye vs the distance each pigment moved?

Or should I just take pictures of my results instead and post them on my display board under data instead of using graphs and charts?

Thanks!

[elin105]

Hi,

Personally, I've found that most science fairs and science fair judges love to see graphs, charts, and hard, solid evidence of what you are trying to prove. However, I think photos of the results would also be a good idea. Since you are doing chromatography, they would be easy visualization and add color.

I think graphing the color of the candy dye vs the distance each pigment moved could work. You might also consider making a pie chart for each color to show the proportion of each color dye in each m&m color. I think it would also help to have a chart of the Rf values.

I hope that helps! Keep up the good work, and good luck!

[kameronmiller]

Yes it did. Thank you so much!!! This is just what I was thinking maybe I should do too except for the pie chart. But that's a good idea too. I think I'll include that too.

Thank you very much.

[kameronmiller]

Wait, you mentioned a pie chart to show the proportion of each color dye. How would I figure that out and make a pie chart for it?

I'm also trying to figure out how to make those colorful graphs and charts. Do you know where I can learn this easily so that I can print them out?

Thanks!

[elin105]

Actually, on second thought, the pie chart might be tricky to do. I was thinking that maybe you could show that the blue m&m had only one color, while the green m&m had maybe half of one color and half of another, but you would have to approximate those proportions. You could still do it, but it would be very rough estimates.

I usually use Microsoft Excel for graphs and charts, because you can change the color of each line, bar, etc. For printing, you can copy/paste whatever you need onto a word document.

[sciencebuddy]

Microsoft Powerpoint (especially 2007) offers a variety of chart options to work with (pie, bar, scatterplot, etc.)

How about a simple chart of m&ms on one axis, the types of dyes on the other, and check marks to show which dyes are present in each type of m&m?

[kameronmiller]

Okay. I'm not too familiar with excel, but I'll surely try it.

Thanks for all your help!