Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

After completing the experiment, how am I to transfer my data onto a graph? My experiment was "How does the interaction between a cold front and a warm front affect the movement of the balloon." I went as to wrapping a piece of string around both balloons and measuring it against a ruler to figure out the circumference (or size of balloon--one of my constant variables). I then went to put the balloons in different environments (a bathtub filled with mixed temp. water, a bucket filled with warm water, and outdoor weather). I measured the temperature every 15 minutes for 45 minutes in total. I had a balloon with hot water inside and a balloon with cold water. My way of measuring the movement was, after every 15 minutes, I measured the change in deflation.
How would I transfer this information into a graph?

Also, what is a literature review?... My teacher never went over this with my class; my teacher simply said to include a literature review.
What is supposed to be on the literature review and how is it to be composed? Thank you!

Hello PacifiquexCoast,

Welcome to the forum.

A common way of graphing data is to plot the dependent variable on the y-axis and the independent variable on the x-axis. From your description, it seems that time and temperature (hot, cold, outdoor) are your independent variables. Balloon circumference is the dependent variable.

I suggest making a graph with time on the x-axis and circumference on the y-axis. You would plot the circumference measurements for the 15, 30 and 45 minute times for a given temperature (hot, cold, outdoor). You could make separate time/circumference graphs for each temperature. I suggest combining the data from the three temperatures on the same graph, and identifying the data for the three temperatures with different colors or symbols. This kind of graph will allow easy comparison of the effects of time and temperature on your circumference measurements.

A literature review includes background information about your project and a list of references (books, web sites, other articles) you consulted to research, design and conduct your project. Usually the literature is a written summary of the background information important to your project, and it is included in the introduction of you report. Some additional information on background research is at this URL: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... aper.shtml


I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

Thank you! Your response was very helpful and informative! Also, thanks for replying as soon as possible!