NAME __________________________________

1. For laboratory purposes, construct graphs such that they fill the entire page of graph paper.
2. Clearly and Boldly label the graph.
3. The units of the X and the Y axes should be selected such that the data points nearly fill the entire space of the graph.
4. The units of each axis should be logical and consistent with the data.
5. Each axis (axis title) and the units of each axis should be labeled.
6. The line drawn for points of data should be an average of the data points, a "best fit curve", and not a "connect the dots" jagged line curve.
7. Extreme data points should be recognized as probably erroneous, and should not be used to construct a "best fit curve".
8. If more than one set of data are displayed on the same graph, distinctive data symbols should be used to separate the data. for example, data points of the two sets of data can be indicated by different shapes and colors. The color of each best fit curve should match the color of the data points. A "legend" "box" on the graph should clearly indicate and link these associations.
9. Use discretion in selecting the set of data that is set along the "X" axis as well as that along the "Y" axis. Typically, the independent variable is on the "X" axis, and the dependent variable is on the "Y" axis. (See Scientific Method)
10. For histograms, the two or more types of data should be graphed without a space between the bars, and each bar should have a consistent position and symbol (color, shading, pattern).