Lesson 7: Drawing graphs Revision Notes
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Grade C: Recall (remember) the three types of variables used in scientific investigations.
Grade B: Complete a results table accurately with data (information) from an experiment.
Grade A: Draw a bar chart to visually represent (show) the data from the experiment, with some assistance.
Recap to Variables in Experiments
In science, a variable is something that can change and affect the results of an experiment. Understanding different types of variables is crucial (very important) for conducting (doing) experiments accurately.
Types of Variables
Change Variable: This is the one thing you change in the experiment to see how it affects the outcome (result). For example, if you are seeing how different amounts of water affect plant growth, the amount of water is the change variable.
Measure Variable: This is what you measure or observe (watch and note down) to see how it changes because of the change variable. In the plant growth example, the measure variable would be the height of the plants.
Control Variables: These are everything else in the experiment that must stay the same to make sure the test is fair. Continuing with our example, control variables could include the type of plants, the soil they're planted in, and the amount of sunlight they receive.
Completing a Results Table
A results table helps you organise (arrange) and display (show) the data collected during an experiment.
It should clearly show the change variable on one side and the measure variable on the other, making it easy to understand the relationship between them.
Drawing a Bar Chart
A bar chart is a helpful way to visualise (see) the data from your experiment.
The change variable is usually placed along the bottom (X-axis), and the measure variable goes up the side (Y-axis).
Each bar represents the measure variable's value at a different level of the change variable, allowing you to quickly see patterns or differences.
(Please note although this video has a small error, there should be gaps between each bar- it is the same method to draw a bar chart)
Keywords and Definitions
Variable: An element, feature, or factor that can change in an experiment.
Change Variable: The factor you change on purpose to see its effects (what happens because of the change).
Measure Variable: The factor you measure or observe, which changes in response (reaction) to the change variable.
Control Variables: Factors kept constant (the same) to ensure the experiment's fairness.
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