Mathematical and Technological Literacy I Worksheet 3b:  Creating Effective Graphs

1.  When would you use the following types of graphs:

    Pie Chart -

    Bar Chart -
 

    X Y Scatter (Line Graph) -

2.  Checklist for making an effective graph

            a.  What is the purpose of making a graph from this data?
            b.  What type of graph should you make?          pie             bar                x-y scatter (line)   
            c.  Decide on a title and consider the the W's (who, what, where and when)
            d.  Do you need to include a legend?        yes        no
            e.  Add a descriptive x-axis and y-axis label for bar and xy-scatter graphs
            f.   Add percentages for pie chart
            g.  Adjust the scale for bar and xy-scatter graphs (if applicable)
            h.   Add source

3.  Creating Graphs

Create a pie chart using:  LeadingCausesOfDeath2003.xls

Create a bar chart using:  DePaulMajors04.xls

Create a line graph using:  O'HareTempApril2003.xls

4.  What's wrong with this chart?

4.  Misleading Graphs (casino)