This page provides resources to help students working with data, especially in formatting graphs and finding mathematical models for the data.
Scientific Investigation Concepts
desmos.com (allowed on AP Exams)
nPlot (recommended, but not allowed on AP Exams)
Vernier Graphical Analysis (for interfacing with Vernier equipment)
Change only one independent variable at a time.
Repeat trials at least three times, to be sure of consistent data.
Collect at least six different ordered pairs (6 pairs x 3 trials = 18 pieces of data)
Make the range of your data as large as is possible without risking damage to equipment or people.
Test-plot your data, produce a curve-fit, try to linearize it (not always possible), before you leave the classroom.
After you have a linear graph, consider the "ten-percent rule." If your intercept is 10% or less of the slope of the graph, it may be irrelevant (your graph might need to be "forced" through the origin).
See the videos below for examples of what to do, including basics of how to linearize the data.