Instruction 7-3
Hypothesis | Tools and Technology | Displaying Data | Written Reports and Oral Presentations | Summary
 

Scientists conduct experiments to gain information. They are trying to find the answers to their questions. They want to know if their hypotheses are right. The information scientists gather is called data. Data shows the results of an experiment.

Many times, scientists may use numerical data. This means they use numbers to show information. If you are trying to see whether pumpkins fed with milk will grow larger than those fed with water, you will measure the pumpkins. Other types of data that use numbers may include temperature, time, length, mass, or volume. Scientists also use numbers for counts. For example, a scientist might count how many times a prairie dog visits one area per day looking for food.

Sometimes scientists use verbal data, or words to show information. For example, a scientist may use words to describe how a bird responds when removed from its natural habitat.

If you are collecting numerical data, you may use a graph, chart, or table to show your findings. If you collect verbal data, you may record it using an audio recorder. You may also write it in a computer journal or in a notebook.

There are many types of graphs and charts. Here are some examples of graphs that are used to show data from experiments.

This graph showed results of testing how power generation affected a river: 

Line Graph

This graph shows the results of a controlled experiment. The experiment tested how a certain vitamin affects people:

Bar Graph

Finally, this graph shows data collected by students. They measured their arm spans from fingertip to fingertip, and then they measured their heights. Notice that the data shows the measurements are very close:

Scatter Graph

As you can see, graphs make it easy to see results of experiments. You can use graphs to show data. You can use a spreadsheet program on your computer. You enter your data on the spreadsheet, and then you select the function that puts the data into a chart or graph. You can also draw a graph by hand using graph paper. 

You can find out more about how to graph data by looking at these website:

http://agg3333.ifas.ufl.edu/datagrph1.htm  
 


Experiments:
This experiment details the usefulness of graphs. Click: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/graphindex.html 

Learn how to conduct an investigation. Click: http://zoology.okstate.edu/zoo_lrc/biol1114/study_guides/labs/lab1/lab1.htm 

Reading List:

for Students, Parents and Teachers

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