Titles
Give each data table an explanatory title. The title should tell the reader about the information in the table. For example, instead of “Data Table,” write, “Respiration rates of spinach leaves under varying light intensities.”
Units of Measurement and Uncertainty
Write units of measurement and uncertainty in column headings and not next to each measurement. This makes the table easier to read and allows you to perform calculations within your spreadsheet.
Independent Variable and Dependent Variables
Place the independent variable in the first column. Dependent variables go in the next columns.
Measurements
Set the decimal points to match the precision of your measurements. See Collection of Data: Precision and Uncertainty.
Make sure calculated numbers such as the mean have the same number of decimal places as the original measurements.
Add best fit lines only if you have collect a LOT of data and can have some confidence that the line really represents likely data points.
|
|
|