Understanding Graphs and Their Components

Which part of a graph gives an overview of the information being presented?

• Graph Title

• Grid Line

• Scale

• Label

Answer explanation

The Graph Title provides a summary of the data being presented, allowing viewers to quickly understand the main topic or focus of the graph. Other elements like grid lines, scale, and labels offer details but not an overview.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

What is the independent variable in a graph, according to the material?

• The factor that is changed or tested by the experimenter

• The factor that responds to the change

• The range of values on the vertical axis

• The overview of the information

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the factor that is changed or tested by the experimenter. It is typically plotted on the horizontal axis of a graph, while the dependent variable responds to its changes.

Why is it important to place numbers at equal intervals along the vertical axis of a graph?

• To make the graph look colorful

• To ensure accurate representation of data

• To make the graph easier to erase

• To fit more numbers on the graph

Answer explanation

Placing numbers at equal intervals on the vertical axis is crucial for ensuring accurate representation of data. It allows for a clear understanding of the scale and relationships between values, preventing misinterpretation.

If you were to create a graph showing the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, which axis would you use for the type of fertilizer?

• Vertical axis (y-axis)

• Grid line

• Horizontal axis (x-axis)

• Scale

Answer explanation

The type of fertilizer is an independent variable that you manipulate in the experiment. Therefore, it should be placed on the horizontal axis (x-axis), while the plant growth, the dependent variable, would be on the vertical axis (y-axis).

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

A student wants to graph the number of hours studied and the test scores received. How should the student decide which variable goes on the x-axis and which on the y-axis? Explain your reasoning.

• Place test scores on the x-axis because they are the independent variable.

• Place hours studied on the y-axis because they are the dependent variable.

• Place hours studied on the x-axis because they are the independent variable, and test scores on the y-axis because they are the dependent variable.

• Place both variables on the y-axis.

Answer explanation

The student should place hours studied on the x-axis as the independent variable, which influences the outcome, and test scores on the y-axis as the dependent variable, which is affected by the hours studied.

Which type of graph is best used to show how data changes over time?

• Bar graph

• Circle graph

• Line graph

• Scatter plot

Answer explanation

A line graph is best for showing how data changes over time because it connects data points with lines, clearly illustrating trends and fluctuations over a continuous period.

What does a bar graph use to show the relationship among variables?

• Lines

• Bars

• Dots

• Slices

Answer explanation

A bar graph uses bars to represent data values, allowing for easy comparison of different variables. Each bar's length corresponds to the value it represents, making it clear how the variables relate to one another.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

What is another name for a circle graph?

• Bar chart

• Line chart

• Pie chart

• Column chart

Answer explanation

A circle graph is commonly known as a pie chart. It visually represents data in slices, showing proportions of a whole, unlike bar, line, or column charts which use different formats for data representation.

Based on the circle graph of Earth's atmosphere, which gas is present in the largest amount?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Other gases

Answer explanation

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of it, while oxygen is around 21%. Carbon dioxide and other gases are present in much smaller amounts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

A scientist wants to compare the number of different bird species that eat different types of seeds. Which type of graph should they use and why?

• Line graph, because it shows changes over time

• Bar graph, because it compares totals among categories

• Circle graph, because it shows percentages of a whole

• Scatter plot, because it shows random data points

Answer explanation

A bar graph is ideal for comparing the number of different bird species across various seed types, as it effectively displays totals among distinct categories, making it easy to visualize differences.