Analyzing a

Data Table
to gain information
Success Criteria

I can analyze data to answer a scientific question.

 What is a data table?
*A data table is an organized arrangement of information in
labeled rows and columns.

*Data tables are helpful in many kinds of situations. In science,

they are particularly useful when you record observations during
an investigation.

*Making data tables may also help to interpret information that

someone else has collected.
 Data Table Points to Ponder . . .
*Identify the independent and dependent variables.

*For example, suppose you are comparing two types of fertilizer to

see whether one of them makes plants grow taller. Your independent
variable is the type of fertilizer. Your dependent variable is the height
of the plant.

*You need to decide what you will measure (the height of the plants)
and for how long you will measure for (once a week for a period of 4
weeks.) You also need to decide to include a control,
plant that a plant that receives no fertilizer.
 Last, but not least . . .
*If you create a table, always be sure to place a title at the
top. It should be descriptive, and not too long. It’s a quick
way to inform others what information is contained on the
table.
 Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth
H e i g h t o f P l a n t s (in cm)
Time Control Plant Fertilizer Fertilizer
(in Weeks) no fertilizer A B

1 4.5 cm 4.6 cm 4.4 cm

2 5 cm 5.2 cm 5.3 cm

3 5.3 cm 5.6 cm 6.5 cm

4 5.4 cm 5.9 cm 8.2 cm

*All plants started at 4.3cm*

 Questions about the
Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth
Table

1. How does the non-fertilizer plant compare to the fertilized ones?

2. How does Fertilizer A compare to Fertilizer B?

3. What part of this data table represents the independent variable?

4. What part represents the dependent variable?

Temperatures of Locations in the School yard
1 2 3

Ground Grass and Gravel Asphalt

Cover (in the
sun) other plants

Average 25.5 °C 38.6 °C 39.2 °C

Temperature
or or or
77.9 °F 101.48 °F 102.56 °F
 Questions about the
Temperatures of Locations in the School Yard
Table
5. Which ground cover produces the coldest temperature?

6. What unit(s) are temperatures measured in?

7. What part of this data table represents the independent variable?

8. What part represents the dependent variable?

Number of Guppy Movements
Container Temperature Number of
(in °C) Movements

Aquarium
Water 38 °C 56
(Control)

A
40 °C 61
B
42 °C 70
C
36 °C 46
D
34 °C 42
 Questions about the
Number of Guppy Movements
Table
9. Which container of water produces the highest number of Guppy movements?

10. At which temperature do the Guppies move the most?

11. What part of this data table represents the independent variable?

12. What part represents the dependent variable?