Reading and understanding graphs is fundamental for science literacy. There are various types of graphs, and each of them have specific uses.
Pie graphs show parts of a whole, bar graphs can show comparative data, and line graphs show changes in data over time.

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Parts of a Graph

Tells us how to interpret what we are looking at. It will tell you what color or pattern represents what data

Legend/Key

Should tell us about the data. May give us a hint about the Independent and Dependent Variable

Title

Part of a Graph

​Title

​Legend

Shows us the dependent variable. We measure the results on this axis. There should be units and values here.

Y-axis

Shows us the independent variable. (most of the time)
This is what was manipulated in the experiment. May also show time elapsed.

X-axis

Part of a Graph

​Y-axis

​X-axis

The data must come from a source. The source may be be an experiment, survey, or other collection method.

Source

Graphs are a visual representation of data. The graph should have tick and units of measurement, so that the data can be understood.

Data

Part of a Graph

​Data

​Source

Observation, Inference & Types of Data

What are the five senses?

Make an observation

Using observations and data to come to a conclusion. Often described as an educated guess.

Inference

Using one's senses or specialized equipment to gain information

Observation

​I saw a lot of people with umbrellas, so I think the forecast calls for rain.

Tells us about something. It may be a physical characteristic or quality.

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Qualitative Data

Tells us something that can be expressed numerically.

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Quantitative
Data