SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

Step 5: Collecting and Analyze Data

Created by: Mrs Gismonde

Data

After you design your experiment it is time to start collecting data!

Your data and observations will always be collected in a table.

Data Continued…

There are a variety of ways to set up a data table.

One style of data table will not work for every experiment you perform.

However all data tables will include the following: Title Test Variables Outcome Variables Number of Trials Constants or Control Group (if needed)

Example #1

(Title)

Dependent Variable

Dependent Variable

Dependent Variable

Trial Trial Trial

1 2 3 Average

(Test Variables)

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Control Group

Example #2

(Title)

Trial(outcome variable)

Test Variable #1

Test Variable #2

Test Variable #3

Average

1

2

3

Control Group

Example #3

Title

Test Variable

Outcome Variable

Location #1

Location #2

Location #3

Location #4

Average

1

2

3

4

Analyzing

Often, you will need to perform mathematical calculations on the data you collected.

Scientists often use the measures of central tendency to assist in analyzing their data.

The measures of central tendency include: Mean (average) Median Mode

Need Help? Visit Science Buddies to review how to find the mean, median and

mode.

Analyze Continued…

After you make mathematical calculations it is important to analyze your data.

Analyzing your data means to examine the information you gathered whole and draw conclusions from it.

Examine the table below

1. Which state sold the greatest total number of GMC cars over the study period?

1. Florida

2. Which state sold the least total number of GMC cars over the study period?

1. Illinois

Number of GMC Cars Sold in Key States Throughout 2010

State Number of Cars Sold Quarterly

January April July October Total

California 2,854 2,699 2,611 2,710 10,874

New York 1,239 2,834 3,002 1,533 8,608

Illinois 921 2,712 2,417 1,034 7,612

Florida 3,436 2,280 2,417 3,001 11,134

Data Checklist

To help ensure accurate data ask yourself the following questions:1. Is there sufficient data to know whether your

hypothesis is correct? 2. Is your data accurate? 3. Have you summarized your data with an

average, if appropriate? 4. Does your chart specify units of measurement

for all data? 5. Have you verified that all calculations (if any)

are correct?

Data Checklist Continued…

If you answer “no” to any of these questions you should go back and redesign your experiment.

Graphs

Another way to analyze your data is to create a graph.

Graphs are used as a visual representation of the information you gathered throughout your experiment.

Creating a graph will help you to interpret trends or patterns.

Graph Results

Different types of graphs are appropriate for different experiments.

Types of Graphs: Bar Graph Line Graph Scatter Plot

Each graph will contain the following information: Title Test variable on the x- axis Outcome variable on the y-axis Both the x and y axis are labeled in their units of measure (grams,

centimeters, etc.). If you have more than one set of data, show each series in a different

color (or symbol) and include a legend or key.

Bar Graph

A bar graph might be appropriate for comparing different trials or different experimental groups. It may also be a good choice if your test variable is not numerical.

Line Graph

An line graph shows the relationship between your outcome and test variables when both are numerical values and shows a change over time.

Scatter Plot

A scatter plot might be the proper graph if you're trying to show how two variables may be related to one another.

Try It

What type of graph might you use for the following data table?

If you said a bar graph your are correct

Number of GMC Cars Sold in Key States Throughout 2010

State Number of Cars Sold Quarterly

January April July October Total

California 2,854 2,699 2,611 2,710 10,874

New York 1,239 2,834 3,002 1,533 8,608

Illinois 921 2,712 2,417 1,034 7,612

Florida 3,436 2,280 2,417 3,001 11,134

Check It Out

California New York Illinois Florida 0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Total Number Of Cars Sold Per State

States

Tota

l N

um

ber

of

Cars

Sold

in 2

010

Graph Checklist

To help ensure you constructed an accurate graph you should ask yourself the following questions: Have you selected the appropriate graph type for the

data you are displaying? Does your graph have a title? Have you placed the independent variable on the x-axis

and the dependent variable on the y-axis? Have you labeled the axes correctly and specified the

units of measurement? Does your graph have the proper scale?

(the appropriate high and low values on the axes) Is your data plotted correctly and clearly?

Graph Checklist Continued…

If you answer “no” to any of these questions you should go back and redesign your graph.

Putting it all together

Construct a data table from the information given below.**Make sure your data table includes a title, category headings,

proper units and averages. You are a biologist studying the health of bald eagles in five key

states: Alaska, Idaho, North Dakota, Washington and Montana. You know that the greater the mass of a adult bald eagle, the healthier it is. Therefore, you capture and find the mass of 4 bald eagles in each of the above states. You come up with the following data:

In Alaska the 4 captured bald eagles had a mass of 6.5 kg, 6.9 kg, 6.1 kg and 5.7 kg.

In Washington the 4 captured bald eagles had a mass of 6.2 kg, 7.3 kg, 5.6 kg and 7.4 kg.

In Idaho the 4 captured bald eagles had a mass of 5.8 kg, 6.2 kg, 5.2 kg, and 4.9 kg.

In Montana the 4 captured bald eagles had a mass of 4.1 kg, 8.1 kg, 3.9 kg and 5.1 kg.

In North Dakota the 4 captured bald eagles had a mass of 3.1 kg, 2.8 kg, 3.9 kg and 4.4 kg.

Answer:

You data table should look similar to the one below.

Fix anything you might have incorrect.The health of bald eagles in key states around the US.

StatesMass of bald eagle in (kg)

Average In (kg)Eagle #1 Eagle #2 Eagle #3 Eagle #4

Alaska 6.5 6.9 6.1 5.7 6.3

Washington 6.2 7.3 5.6 7.4 6.63

Idaho 5.8 6.2 5.2 4.9 5.53

Montana 4.1 8.1 3.9 5.1 5.3

North Dakota

3.1 2.8 3.9 4.4 3.55

Graph your results

Graph the average mass of the adult bald eagle in each of the four states.

What type of graph would you use? Bar Graph Line Graph Scatter Plot

Sorry

Remember: we use a scatter plot if you are trying to show how two variables may be related to one another.

For example: Temperature vs. melting time of ice cream Relationship:

The hotter temperate is outside the quicker the ice cream will melt

Click here to try again

Sorry

Remember: a line shows the relationship between your outcome and test variables when both are numerical values.

Click here to try again

Great Job

Remember your graph should have… A title X-axis = test variable Y-axis = outcome variable Include labels (measures of units) on each axis

Need Graph Paper? Click here to print a piece.

When you are finished click Here to continue.

Check your graph.It should look similar to the one below.

Alaska Washington Idaho Montana North Dakota 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Average Mass of Bald Eagles Per State

State

Mass

in K

g

Use your data table and graph to answer the questions below:

1. Which location had the bald eagle with the greatest individual mass? 1. Montana’s Eagle #2 had the greatest mass of 8.1 kg

2. Was this the same location that appears to have the healthiest bald eagle?1. No, Montana average mass of their bald eagles was 5.3

kg. Washington appears to have the healthiest bald eagles with a average mass of 6.63 kg.

3. If you were a biologist trying to help the bald eagle, which location would you spend most of your time?1. I would go to North Dakota because their bald eagles

appear to be unhealthiest because they have the lowest average mass.

Assessment

The Scientific Method:Summarize each of the following step of the

scientific method. Make sure to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of each step and its importance in the overall process.

1) Define the problem or Ask a question. 2) Research your question or problem.3) Form a hypothesis.4) Design an experiment.5) Make observations and analyze data.

The End

Bibliography

Data Analysis & Graphing. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2011, from Science Buddies: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_data_analysis.shtml

Data Table Worksheet. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2011, from http://blue.wths.net/faculty/gill/assignments/DataTblWS.pdf