CK-12 Physical Science Concepts - For Middle School

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Physical Science

• Line graphs are especially useful for showing changes over time, such as variation in the number of tornadoes
  by month throughout the year.

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When you make a line graph, you need to locate x and y values on a set of axes. This lets you plot the points that
will be connected to create the line. Do the frog-and-fly activity at the following URL. See how many flies you can
catch while you practice plotting points.

http://hotmath.com/hotmath_help/games/ctf/ctf_hotmath.swf

Review

1. What is the advantage of displaying data in a graph rather than just listing data in a table?


2. Explain what a circle graph shows.


3. Examine the data inTable1.9. Which type of graph would you use to display the data? Why would you use
   this type of graph?

TABLE1.9: Average Number of Tornadoes per Year in Selected States (1961-1990)

State Average Number of Tornadoes

California 4

Idaho 2

Kentucky 10

Michigan 18

Montana 5

North Carolina 14

North Dakota 20

Tennessee 12

4. Using a sheet of graph paper, create a graph of the data in question 3. Use the type of graph you identified in
   your answer to question 3.