TEKS 8.

2D construct table and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize and identify patterns

Data Tables and Graphs

These are the notes the students were given in 6th grade for constructing
data charts and graphs.

Copies can be kept in their notebooks as a reference along with the TAKS
periodic table and formula charts.

TEKS 8.2D construct table and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize and identify patterns

Data Tables and Graphs

Data tables are used to organize and show data that has been collected in an
experiment.

ORGANIZING A DATA TABLE

Always title the data table.

o

Choose a title that reflects what the data is about.

Data tables are usually organized into columns and rows.

Each column has a heading to describe the data that is in the column.
o

Headings should tell what data is in each column or row and should
include any units of measurement being used.

The independent variable (IV) is usually listed in the first column in a data
table.

The dependent variable (DV) is usually listed in the second column.

IV

DV

EXAMPLES

Time it takes snails to travel 1

meter in different temperatures
Temperature
(C)

Time (s)

20

45

25

60

30

95

Units

Titles
Observing Snail Motions

Headings

Data

Snail
#

Observations

Snail crawled in circles.

Snail slowly made a zig-zag

pattern.

Snail sat in place for 30

seconds then took off in a
straight line.

GUIDELINES FOR MAKING GRAPHS

** Always construct a graph in PENCIL first! You can always go over them
in pen or marker to make your final copy.
A graph is a kind of picture use to show quantitative data, measurements and
numbers collected during an experiment.
Most graphs have the same basic parts:

title that tells what data is shown in the graph

horizontal axis (x-axis) which usually shows the independent variable

vertical axis (y-axis) which usually shows the dependent variable

DRY MIX can help you remember how to label each axis. D= dependent or
Responding variable goes on the Y axis; Manipulated or Independent variable goes
on the X axis.
LINE GRAPHS
When to use a line graph
o

when your data is continuous & specific you want to show a trend or
change over time

examples: time, height, weight, length, volume, pressure, distance,

temperature, speed, etc

when using a line graph, the axes must have equally spaced intervals in a
measurement depending on the range of the values in the data

each point on the line graph has two values, one for the horizontal axis and
one for the vertical axis.

a line graph may have two or more lines plotted on it if there are multiple
sets of data measured during the same experiment

75
50

vertical axis
(y-axis)
25

Title

Label

if two sets of data are plotted, you must include a key to show which line
represents each set of data

DRY

Dependent Variable (units)

horizontal axis
(x-axis)
0

30

60

90

120

Label
Independent Variable (units)

MIX

BAR GRAPHS
When to use a bar graph
o

when you want to show a comparison or your data can be averaged,

grouped, or put into categories

examples: models of cars, brands of hair spray, types of fabric,

favorite foods, etc

when using a bar graph, the independent variable is displayed along the xaxis (horizontal) and the dependent variable is shown on the y-axis (vertical)

the bars in a bar graph should be of equal size and should be evenly spaced

each bar should be different either in color or pattern

you must include a key to show what each bar on the graph represents

Label
Dependent Variable

vertical axis
(y-axis)

TITLE

KEY
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4

horizontal axis
(x-axis)
Label
Independent Variable

PRACTICE MAKING A
LINE GRAPH

Below is data that was collected over a week. Use the data to make a line graph.
Be sure to title the graph, label the axes and include any units.
Amount of plant growth in a week
Number of
Days
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Plant Height (cm)

2
4
5
7
10
11
15