Histograms: The Basics

Scientists use histograms to analyze data. In particular, particle physicists rely on histograms to find new particles and to measure particle characteristics. Sometimes the probability of a particular interaction occurring is small. In such cases, particle physicists collect large amounts of data in the hope of finding this interaction as a small bump in the histogram. This activity builds the histogram skills required in many of the other activities in the Data Activities Portfolio. Students will construct histograms and use them to make claims about the data.