Bringing the Universe to America's Classrooms
(OBS) Illuminating Earth over a Year

Analyzing Graphs to Look for Patterns

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Scientists use data to help them answer questions about a phenomenon. You can use data to help you answer the questions, “How can you explain the evidence of observed seasonal patterns in daylight hours and opposite seasons in the hemispheres? Why does this happen?” 

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Data that is recorded in tables can be plotted in graphs. The line graphs below show the same data as on page 3. The graphs can also help you look for patterns. Analyze the total daylight data for each location and year and answer the questions that follow. 

Remember: 

  • June: summer in New York City; winter in Melbourne 
  • December: winter in New York City; summer in Melbourne 
Two double line graphs showing hours of daylight in New York City and Melbourne using the data from the data tables on page 3.
Data points are included for the twenty-first day of each month in 2016 and 2017 for both locations. The y-axis shows daylight hours ranging from 9 and one half to 15 and one half. The x-axis lists the months of January through December. The New York City graph shows two side-by-side lines that rise and then fall, forming an upside-down, rounded V-shape. The lines begin at about 9 hours and 44 minutes and progressively rise until peaking at 14 hours and 38 minutes. From that peak, the lines progressively decrease until ending at 9 hours and 16 minutes. The Melbourne graph shows two side-by-side lines that form a rounded V-shape. The lines begin at about 14 hours and 20 minutes and then progressively decrease to 9 hours and 33 minutes before rising up to 14 hours and 47 minutes.

Click image to view a larger version.

Analyze the Graphs

Complete the chart below.

1. What is the first thing you noticed about both graphs?

2. Compare the data for both New York City and Melbourne. What similarities do you notice? Provide evidence from the graphs to support your answer.

3. Contrast the data for both locations. What differences do you notice? Provide evidence from the graphs to support your answer.

4. Predict the season with the most daylight hours and the season with the fewest daylight hours for next year in New York City. Give the reasoning for your answer.

5. Predict the month with the most daylight hours and the month with the fewest daylight hours for next year in Melbourne. Give the reasoning for your answer.

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