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Data Collection
Data Collection
Due date for Homework #7: February 13, 2020 (Thursday)
Due date for Homework #7: February 13, 2020 (Thursday)
You now have an approved experimental procedure (approved by your parents and teacher and by MSEF.)
You must have at least 100-200 pieces of data collected by February 13, 2020. This means that you have no time to waste. You should have already gathered some of your materials by now.
You need to begin collecting data immediately because:
- You need at least 100-200 pieces of data.
- If you have experimental problems, you need time to make adjustments to your procedure and still be able to collect 100-200 pieces of data.
- If you have trouble getting materials, you need time to make adjustments to your procedure and still be able to collect 100-200 pieces of data.
- If you are sick for a day or two, you will still be able to collect 100-200 pieces of data.
- If it rains, you will still be able to collect 100-200 pieces of data.
- If it snows, you will still be able to collect 100-200 pieces of data.
- If it is your birthday, you will still be able to collect 100-200 pieces of data.
The idea is very clear: no less than 100-200 pieces of data is acceptable for a science fair project and student scientists need to begin collecting data immediately.
Printed data table and graph; email check-in with mentor
Printed data table and graph; email check-in with mentor
Due date for Homework #8: February 21, 2020 (Friday)
Due date for Homework #8: February 21, 2020 (Friday)
Now you will need to organize the data you collected into a table and eventually create a graph showing any patterns or trends in the data. To do this you first need to think about your data. Look for trends or patterns in the data that may support or reject your hypothesis. You may need to create several data tables or graphs before deciding on the best way to present the data.
- Create data tables for your data. The data table needs to have:
- A title
- Columns and rows with headings
- Units for the data in the table
- The same number of decimal points throughout
- (check your notes from the beginning of the year to help you decide what kind of graph/chart is best!)
- Send a copy of your graphs and what they mean to your RSI Mentor
You now have at least 100-200 pieces of data. The data must be organized in order for you to observe any trends or patterns in the data. Tables are used to organize your data while graphs are used to make it easier for other people to “see” your data. You must choose the best type of graph to present this data.
You will use Google Spreadsheets. Just be sure that the trends or patterns found in the data are clearly represented by the type of graph you have chosen. See Ms. Hwang if you need help organizing your data. Some suggestions:
Use line graphs to show changes over time.
Use bar graphs to show cause and effect relationships.
Before you create data tables or graphs, think about your data first. Look for trends or patterns in the data that may support or reject your hypothesis. You may need to create several data tables or graphs before deciding on the best way to present the data.
Follow these rules when creating graphs:
- Label the X-axis Example: Time (days)
- Label the Y-axis Example: Amount of Corrosion (MaryAnn’s Scale)
- Label all tic-marks
- Always begin the Y-axis with 0. Do not play around with the scale to exaggerate your data.
See an example of some data and it's corresponding graph below:
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