Observations: While testing (before & during), observations of what is happening must be recorded. Use all senses: Touch, Sight, Smell, Hearing, Taste Qualitative (description of what it’s like – words) Quantitative (How much, measurements - #’s) Use measuring devices/tools: scale, ruler, clock, etc.. Analyzing Data Variables: Independent The things you change in an experiment EX: measuring different types baseball bats (wood, aluminum, composite) Dependent The measurements you take in an experiment EX: how far a baseball travels after being hit

Data Tables - Uses Columns & Rows to record the numbers from the experiment test Review your data. Try to look at the results of your experiment with a critical eye. Ask yourself these questions: Is it complete, or did you forget something? Do you need to collect more data? Calculate an average for the different trials of your experiment Label all columns & rows in the tables. Include the units of measurement and a title. Independent variable (IV) = What changes - Independent variable (IV) = What changes - on left side of table EX: Day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc… Dependent variable (DV) = What is measured Dependent variable (DV) = What is measured – on right side of table EX: Number of calories Analyzing Data Table 1: The average number of calories that students (ages 6-12) eat per day for both lunch and dinner.

Data Graphs - Uses blocks, bars, lines, circles, etc to record the numbers from the experiment test Include an average for the different trials of your experiment Label all columns & rows in the tables. And, include the units of measurement Create a Title & Caption Place your independent variable (what changes) on the x-axis of your graph and the dependent variable (what is measured) on the y-axis If you have more than one set of data, show each series in a different color or symbol and include a legend with clear labels. Analyzing Data GRAPH 1: The average number of calories of French fries from different chains of fast food. Independent Variable Dependent Variable Independent Variable Dependent Variable GRAPH 2: The average number of calories that people eat per day between the years of 1960 and 2000.

Helpful Hints: 1)Use Microsoft Excel or Google spreadsheet program. If not, use a RULER 2)In a graph, use even increments (pattern) on the x & y axis 3)If using a line graph connect the dots. 4)Label everything (including the units) 5)INCLUDE AN AVERAGE 6)Write a title 7)Add a caption Analyzing Data More trials (times that you repeat an experiment) can be added to the right of the table