Unit 1 – Lesson 3 (Representing Data)

How do Scientists Make Sense of Data?

• Scientific Investigations involve the collection of Data; facts, figures, and other evidence that scientists gather.

Scientists Organize Data

• Data Tables allow scientists to record observations in an orderly way.

Scientists Graph and Analyze Data

• Scientists Graph data in order to determine trends and patterns within data.

What do Graphs Show?

• Circle Graph – Used when showing how each group relates to the whole

• Bar Graph – Used to display and compare data in a number of categories

• Line Graph – Shows continuous change

How do Scientists Evaluate Models?

• Scientific Model: can be a visual or mathematical representation of an object or system.

• Models help scientists make predictions before an investigation.

How do Scientists Evaluate Models?

• By how much they can Explain.

• Ex. Data from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics went into the making of DNA model.

How do Scientists Evaluate Models?

• By How Well they can Adapt.

• Ex.) Once scientists had a working model of DNA, it allowed scientists to speculate how genetic information is carried.

How do Scientists Evaluate Models?

• By the Fewest Limitations

What Principles do Scientists use when Measuring Experimental

Results?

• Scientists Measure for Precision and Accuracy.

Precision

• Precision: The exactness of a measurement

Accuracy

• Accuracy: how well or how closely data agree with a known standard.