LESSON 2.02 - Graphing
Standard: IE1.a
INSTRUCTION/PRACTICE
In this lesson you will learn how scientists use graphs to interpret and share data.
1. Graphs and charts are great because they communicate information visually. For this reason, graphs are often used in newspapers, magazines and businesses around the world. Sometimes, complicated information is difficult to understand and needs an illustration. Other times, a graph or chart helps impress people by getting your point across quickly and visually.
2. There are all kinds of charts and graphs; some are easy to understand while others can be pretty tricky. There are many different types because each one has a fairly specific use. Bar graphs can be used to show how something changes over time or to compare items. They have an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). Typically, the x-axis has numbers for the time period or what is being measured, and the y-axis has numbers for the amount of stuff being measured. Bar graphs are good when you're plotting data that spans many years or when you are comparing things.
3. To create a BAR GRAPH, you must supply a value for (each) bar. It is also a good idea to provide: a name for each bar, title of graph (60 characters maximum), and title of x and y axis.
4. Use this link (http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx) to make a graph out of the data given below.
5. Click on “Bar” graph and chose the options you’d like.
6. Click on the “Data” tab on the right side of the window.
7. Fill in the top 4 boxes with:
a. Graph Title: Home Energy Use
b. X Axis Label: Type of Energy Use
c. Y Axis Label: Percentage
d. Source: Your Name
8. Change “Data Set” to “Items 4”
9. Then type the data from the table below into the boxes.
10. Type in “0” for Min-value and “50” for Max-value.
Data Table 1: Home Energy Use
|
Type of Energy Use
|
Percentage
|
Heating and Cooling
|
44%
|
Water Heating
|
14%
|
Refrigerator
|
9%
|
Light Cooking and Other
|
33%
|
11. Save your file as 2.02-yourlastname.doc
12. Turn-in your file in the class drop-box.
ASSESSMENT
Take the 2.02-Quiz
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