To make a good graph, include a title, labels for the axes, and consistent scales. The x-axis should include the independent variable like time, while the y-axis includes the dependent variable measured. Data points can be connected with a smooth curve to show patterns, and less ink allows easier readability. Key details like calculations or uncertainties should be indicated on the graph as needed.

1. How to Make a Good Graph

2. How to Make a Good Graph Remember that the x-axis goes across and the y-axis goes up and down.

3. How to Make a Good Graph Every graph should have a title ("Mass and Age of Pennies").

4. How to Make a Good Graph Every graph should have a heading (your name, partner's name, class, date).

5. How to Make a Good Graph Some graphs may need a key (to explain colors or symbols).

6. How to Make a Good Graph The graph should fill the available space. If you make a graph with a computer, you can copy & paste it into your final report, and size it to fit your layout.

7. How to Make a Good Graph If you make a graph by hand it should always be on graph paper.

8. How to Make a Good Graph The axes should each be titled AND labeled to match the data table ("mass of pennies, grams").

9. How to Make a Good Graph The range of each axis may be different. They should each be large enough to cover the needed range without lots of extra space. They do not need to start at zero.

10. How to Make a Good Graph The scale of each axis may be different, but each one must be consistent. If one box represents one year at the beginning of the graph, one box always represents one year.

11. How to Make a Good Graph () The axes should be numbered to the same number of decimal places as the data was recorded. You don't need to number every box - usually every ten boxes will be adequate .

12. How to Make a Good Graph The independent variable always goes on the x-axis. If time is one of the measurements being graphed, it always goes on the x-axis.

13. How to Make a Good Graph Sometimes a line connecting points is OK. When this is true, it is usually best to draw the best smooth curve that goes near the data points. Look for general patterns rather than details.

14. How to Make a Good Graph The less ink you use, the easier it is to read. Try it!

15. How to Make a Good Graph Let’s make a graph Pick a “favorite topic” (food, sports, tv show) Post results on board then each group creates their on graph.

16. How to Make a Good Graph http://www. dbooth .net/ mhs /common/ graphrules .html

18. How to Make a Good Graph– Do not write slide If any calculations are done using points from a graph, the points used should be indicated (a small arrow labeled "calculation 1" should be adequate).

19. How to Make a Good Graph –Do not write slide Error bars may be used to indicate uncertainty in a measurement. The proper use depends on the graph and will be discussed as necessary.