It can be really useful to look at graphs and charts to help understand data and get a visual representation of complex issues, but we must also think critically about information that's presented in graphs and charts. This interactive tutorial, Uncovering Reality, from the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, WA lets us practice techniques to improve our skills in interpreting data, graphs, and charts.

Another example comes from Georgia STEM. Two maps, one from July 2, 2020 and the other from July 18, show COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, but although cases were up 49% over the course of 15 days, the map doesn't appear to change much. Can you spot how what's different and why the increase in cases isn't represented in the maps?

Two maps of Georgia showing covid cases per 100,000 people

Highlight the text below to see the answer:

Notice that they changed the number ranges below the maps.

Source: [Maps of COVID-19 Cases per 100K in Georgia.] 18 July 2020, Georgia STEM, https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaStem/photos/a.512164692229745/2991274590985397/.