Title: Constructing a Scatter Plot and Line Graph Using "Logger Pro" (R)
Vernier Software & Technology: http://www.vernier.com


Note: Teacher comments appear within brackets, e.g., [Do this...].

1. Double-click on icon for "Logger Pro" (R), located on PC desktop
[Insert icon graphic: C:\Program Files\Vernier Software\Logger Pro 3\Help\
GAicon.jpg <-- 2.2 KB 75x53x24b]

2. Close "Tip of the Day" window; DO NOT uncheck "Show Tips on Startup"

[Note: The following step may be unnecessary when using more recent 
versions of "Logger Pro" (R) (later than Ver. 3.2).]
3. In the "Connect to LabPro" window, click radio button for "Continue 
Without Interface"; click "OK"

4. By default, Logger Pro displays two "objects": a data set; and a graph. 
The data set is named, "Data Set"; the graph is untitled. The data set has 
two columns labeled, "X" & "Y": "X" values are plotted on the horizontal 
axis of the graph; "Y" values are plotted on the vertical axis. Retitle 
the "Data Set" and "X" & "Y" columns by double-clicking on their labels:

Double-click "Data Set" - "Data Set Options" window pops-up.
"Name:" [Enter appropriate information.]
"Comments:" [Enter appropriate information.]
Click button labeled, "OK"

[Note: By convention, the independent variable (IV) is plotted along the 
x-axis.]
Double-click "X" - "Column Options" window pops-up.
Click tab labeled, "Column Definition"
"Labels and Units:" [Enter the following info...]

"Name:" [Enter appropriate information.]
"Short Name:" [Enter appropriate information.]
"Units:" [Enter appropriate information.]
"Insert Symbol:" [If necessary, then select appropriate symbol.]
Click button labeled, "Done"

[Note: By convention, the dependent variable (DV) is plotted along the 
y-axis.]
Double-click "Y" - "Column Options" window pops-up." [Repeat process used 
to label column "X".]

5. Set-up graph (to display a scatter plot):

Double-click anywhere inside graph window; "Graph Options" window pops-up.
Click tab for "Graph Options" [Enter the following info...]
"Title:" [Enter an appropriate title that clearly and concisely describes 
what the graph shows.]
"Examine:" Check "Mouse Position and Delta"
"Appearance:" Check "Point Protectors"; uncheck "Connect Lines"
Click button labeled, "Done"

[Note: The following optional step will automatically display the "line of 
best fit" for a given scatter plot of data. The slope of the graph line 
represents a derived quantity, e.g., density (g/cc), speed (m/sec), etc.]
6. From the menu bar, select "Analyze/Linear Fit" [Click-&-drag box to an 
aesthetically pleasing location on graph that DOES NOT OVERLAP the graph 
line.]

7. Click "Autoscale" button (see blue "A"), located in toolbar (directly 
below menu bar)

8. From the menu bar, select "File/Printing Options..." - "Printing 
Options" window pops-up. [Enter the following info...]

Check box for "Print Footer"
"Name:" [Enter last names only, separated by commas.]
"Comment:" [Enter Period 1, 2, or 3, as appropriate.]
Check box for "Date"; uncheck boxes for "Page Title" and "Page Number"
DO NOT uncheck "Always Show This Dialog Before Printing"
Click button labeled, "OK"

9. Double-check the graph to be sure it features ALL of the elements of a 
good graph:
- a labeled data table, including units
- a clear, concise title that tells what the graph shows [Note: When 
graphing the results of an experiment, use the proper format: The Effect 
of the IV on the DV.]
- both axes labeled, including units [The IV should be plotted on the 
x-axis; the DV on the y-axis.]
- the graph line fills the window (virtual graph paper)
- graph features a legend (a.k.a., a "key") -- a "must have" for two-line 
graphs

10. Print hardcopy [Punch holes in paper(s) for secure storage in 
three-ring binder. Circle your name (see page footer).]

Option A [Prints both data table and graph.]
From the menu bar, select "File/Print..." - "Printing Options" window 
pops-up [Double-check settings, Step #8.]
Click "OK"
"Print" window pops-up; select "Printer - Name:" [if necessary] and 
"Copies - Number of copies:" [Print one copy for each student in group.]

Option B [Prints graph only.]
From the menu bar, select "File/Print Graph..." - "Printing Options" 
window pops-up [Double-check settings, Step #8.]
Click "OK"
"Print" window pops-up; select "Printer - Name:" [if necessary] and
"Copies - Number of copies:" [Print one copy for each student in group.]