Graph Your Data

5 - Analyze Your Data & Draw a Conclusion

After experimentation, you will summarize data, create graphs, and write conclusions. These steps are essential because they help clearly communicate findings, illustrate patterns and relationships, and provide insights that guide future research and understanding.

Task #5B: Graph Your Data

1. Read Data Analysis & Graphs to review how to create a graph of your data.
2. Answer the following questions to check your learning:
   1. Given a dataset where you want to show the relationship between time and plant growth, which type of graph should you use?
      Bar graph

      Time-series plot

      Scatter plot

      Pie chart
      Correct! A time-series plot is appropriate for showing the relationship between time and another variable.
      Nice try! Review the section on graph types to understand which graph is best for showing relationships over time.
   2. Which type of graph is most appropriate for comparing different trials or different experimental groups?
      Bar graph

      Line graph

      Scatter plot

      Time-series plot
      Correct! Bar graphs are ideal for comparing different trials or experimental groups.
      Nice try! Review the section on graph types to understand which graph is best for comparing different trials or groups.
   3. True or False: When creating a graph, you should place the independent variable on the y-axis and the dependent variable on the x-axis.
      True

      False
      Correct! The independent variable should be placed on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis.
      Nice try! Remember that the independent variable goes on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis.
   4. Which of the following is NOT a necessary component of a well-constructed graph?
      A title

      Labeled axes with units of measurement

      Brightly colored text and data points

      Proper scale on axes
      Correct! While brightly colored text and data points can be helpful, they are not required. The text and data points just need to be clearly visible.
      Nice try! Review the criteria for a well-constructed graph to understand the necessary components.
3. What type of graph(s) will you use to report your data? Why did you choose this type?
4. Create your graph and document it in your lab notebook. You can create the graph directly in your lab notebook, create it in a spreadsheet program (such as Excel or Google Sheets), or use a website like Create a Graph and print it off to put it in your notebook. See an example here.

   Make sure that your graph meets all the criteria on the checklist below:

   • The graph type is appropriate for the data being displayed
     The graph has a descriptive title
     The independent variable is on the x-axis, and the dependent variable is on the y-axis
     The axes are labeled correctly, including units of measurement
     The graph uses a proper scale (it has appropriate high and low values on the axes)
     The data is plotted correctly and clearly
   Turn in your lab notebook to your teacher OR include a link to a picture of your notebook below:
   Link to a picture of your graph in your lab notebook: