An essential part of every experiment is recording observations and organizing data in easy-to-read tables and graphs.  A graph is a visual display of information or data.

For example, a line graph shows trends or how data changes over time. How many hot dogs were sold on Thursday?

A bar graph is useful for comparing information collected by counting. How many people total thought grapes and bananas were the nicest fruits?

A circle graph shows how a fixed quantity is broken down into parts.  What percentage of people’s favorite type of movie is drama?

Review:

1. What is a graph?
2. What type of graph best displays how data has changed over time?
3. Identify the three types of graphs.