Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Reading For Meaning In Science
Course: Ged Test Prep
Subject: Science
Chapter: Chapter 1 Reading For Meaning In Science
Uses of Graphs and Charts in Science
Science reading often uses special vocabulary, including charts and graphs in addition to standard text. Graphs and charts are some of the visual displays used in science to display patterns, identify trends and correlations, and communicate scientific data visually. To develop these visuals, you will have to compile numerical data in the form of tables, which will later be displayed in graphic form.
Interpretation of graphs
To interpret scientific graphs, one has to understand the dependent (plotted on the y-axis) and the independent variables (plotted on the x-axis).
Types of graphs in science
- Line graphs: Utilizes points and lines to represent changes over time. A line graph can be a curve or a straight line joining several successive data points.
- X-y scatter plots: These are used by scientists to show the relationship between two variables. Such graphs show how one variable affects the other.
- Area graph: They are used to show the change in one or several quantities over time. The areas between the axis and the line are filled with colors.
- Frequency distribution graph: Used to show the frequency of outcomes in a particular sample. It utilizes tables of values which are made by placing the outcomes in one column and the number of times they appear
- Pie chart: Used to represent the numerical proportion of a dataset. A circle is divided into several sectors, with each representing the proportion of a particular element.
- Histogram: Used to display the frequency of discrete and continuous data. It utilizes connected rectangular bars.
- Bar graphs: These are pictorial representations of grouped data in vertical or horizontal bars. The height of the bar represents the measure of the data.
- Pictographs: Used to display numerical information by utilizing icons or picture symbols to represent datasets.
Other Ways to Visualize Scientific Data
- Use of maps
- Satellite imagery
- Animations
- Specialized images such as atomic orbitals.
Example
Scientists tried to identify the long-term trend of atmospheric Carbon IV Oxide concentration over several years in Mauna Loa and represented the numerical data in the form of a scatter graph as shown below;
Explanation
- To describe the graph, a science student must note the following;
- The x-axis represents time in years while the y-axis shows Carbon IV Oxide concentration in parts per million.
- The dots are the measured concentration.
- Based on the graph, it is easy to note that the concentration of CO2 steadily increased from around 315ppm to about 378ppm in 2005.
- One can also determine the rate at which the gas is increasing by determining the gradient of the graph. Therefore, representing data in a graphical format helps a student to interpret collected data.