Data Analysis and 2xSEM Graphing

"Any time scientists disagree, it's because we have insufficient data. Then we can agree on what kind of data to get; we get the data; and the data solves the problem. Either I'm right, or you're right, or we're both wrong. And we move on. That kind of conflict resolution does not exist in politics or religion."

-Neil deGrasse Tyson

Numerical data analysis is an extremely important skill in science. The centrality of this will be evident in every experiment we do. In addition, you will be assessed on your mastery of data analysis [at least] on each unit test and on the AP Biology exam in May. To keep your analytical brain fresh, begin to build a (probably) new skill in "number crunching," hone your spreadsheet skills, and familiarize you with part of the instructional model that we'll use next year, I'm asking you to do the following prior to the start of class in August:

1. Puzzle Data (July 10th due date) If you had trouble with this data set go here and you can see my solution

   1. Look at the data set.

   2. Decide on and carry out some math that will give you a clear(er) idea of the answer to the two questions.

   3. Make graphs to communicate those two answers (one graph for each)

   4. Follow the directions to calculate and add 2x Standard Error of the Mean (2x SEM) error bars to your graphs.

   5. Write about what those error bars tell you in relation to the "answers" you arrived at.

   6. Turn these graphs and writing in on Google Classroom

   7. Look at my posted work. Compare it to yours in order to improve.

2. Anenomefish or Fish Acclimatization data sets (DAY BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS DUE DATE)

   1. Look at each data set.

   2. Determine a question that you feel the data can answer.

   3. Do the requisite math to determine the answer.

   4. Make a graph for each data set, including 2x SEM error bars.

   5. Write about what your analysis indicates related to your question for each data set.

   6. Turn your work in on Google Classroom.

RESOURCES

• All data sets are available within the Google Classroom assignments. You will get your own copy of the spreadsheet to work with.

• Basic Spreadsheet Stuff (Feel free to search the web or whatever for other assistance. Most of these videos are Google Sheets based because that's what students seem to use. Excel will do the same stuff (sometimes better) and I can help if you have questions. Here are some video resources that I made to help you get ready:

  • Spreadsheet number crunching (basic formulas, averaging, etc.)

  • Graphing and Finding Rate Change (Through Slope)

  • Spreadsheet I used in the videos.

• 2x SEM Specifics

  • How to make and interpret 2x SEM bar graphs in Google Sheets Part 1

    • I ran out of recording time at the end! Here is the exciting conclusion!

  • How to make and intrepret 2x SEM bar graphs in Google Sheets Part 2

    • Excel does allow some greater flexibility and wider application of error bars.