Name:
Date:
Per:
“8th Grade Standard Graph” Rules
Main Idea
Graphing
Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
Supporting Details
Always title the graph with an appropriate name that explains the data
shown.
Choose your scale so that you fill up AS MUCH of the space AS POSSIBLE
On the x-axis (horizontal) you graph the Independent Variable – the
variable THAT THE STUDENT CHANGES.
No Break Lines, evenly space the interval, and include labels (with units).
On the y-axis (vertical) you graph the Dependent Variable – the variable
that THE STUDENT MEASURES.
No Break Lines, evenly space the interval, and include labels (with units).
Whenever you make a graph, you should follow these rules or it will be
incomplete!
Line Graph
Bar Graphs
Keyword: Continuous Data When to Use: THE I.V. IS NUMERICAL
Examples –
 Most often used when graphing something over time
 HEIGHT OF PERSON VS AGE
 MASS VS. DISTANCE
Keyword: Discrete Data
When to Use: THE I.V. IS NOT NUMERICAL
No ½ values allowed
Examples –
 Volume of Water in various lakes
 MONEY MADE PER QUARTER
Pie Charts/
When to Use: PARTS OF A WHOLE
Circle Graphs
Examples –
Formula for finding # of Degrees
 Various classes of animals in a wildlife park
𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻
𝒙
=
 PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS IN SPANISH
𝑾𝑯𝑶𝑳𝑬
𝟑𝟔𝟎
Histograms/
Frequency
Distributions
When to Use:
Examples –
 Students who earn certain grade in class
 CALCULATED RANGE OF WATER DENSITY
Steps to Finding Graphs Intervals
1. Figure out what your highest point of data is [H].
2. Count the available boxes [B]
3. The scale [S] is equal to the highest point, [H], divided by the total number of boxes [B].
=
=
4. Round the scale, UP to the nearest ‘easy number’ and each box equals that many
spaces. (ie 4.43123 rounds to 4.5 and 0.0123 rounds to 0.015)
5. Check to see if you fill up the whole graph from 0 to your highest point, H.
A
I.V.
D.V.
A
2 cm
2 kg
B
I.V.
D.V.
Types of Graphs
Bar Graph – Not Numerical I.V.
Line Graph – Numerical I.V.
B
17 cm
21 kg
A
12 mm
1.5 oz
B
63 mm
13.5 oz
Pie Chart – Parts of a Whole
Frequency Distribution – Repeated Occurrences
8th Grade Standard Graph Rules
1. Always title the graph with an appropriate name that explains the data shown.
2. Choose your scale so that you fill up as much of the graph paper that you need or as
much space is given.
3. On the x-axis (horizontal) you graph the Independent Variable – the variable that is
manipulated or changed. No Break Lines, evenly space the interval, and include labels
(with units).
4. On the y-axis (vertical) you graph the Dependent Variable – the variable that is
responding or is measured. No Break Lines, evenly space the interval, and include labels
(with units).
Scaling Graphs: Find the highest Number, H. Count the # of available boxes, B. The scale is
equal to H/B after it is rounded to the ‘nearest easy counting’ number.
How Increasing the Pendulum Length Affects the
Pendulum's Period
5
Pendulum Period (s)
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0
1
2
3
4
Pendulum Length (m)
5
6