Energy Data
A graph is a visual representation of a data set. The data that these graphs are representing is about energy production and usage in Iowa.
When viewing graphs, there are three questions that can always be asked:
- What is this graph showing?
- What explanation is there for the way that it looks?
- What questions do I have about what I see?
Ask those questions and more about the graphs on this page.
Graph #1
- Which energy source for electricity has increased the most since 2001?
- Which energy source for electricity has decreased the most since 2001?
- How do you think this graph might look for 2021?
Graph #2
- How does the data appear to change as you unselect each energy source?
- What new ideas do you get from the graph when this happens?
- Compare and contrast the changes in this graph since 2001 to the changes in the graph above. What do you notice?
Graph #3
- Why do you think this graph follows a wave pattern?
- What trend do you notice as the graph moves from left to right?
- What claim would you make from this graph based on the evidence that you see?
Graph #4
- Why do you think that this graph is trending downward rather than upward like the ones before it?
- What other information might you like to know?
Graph #5
- The previous graph shows that we are using less coal for electricity than in the past, but this graph shows the total electricity used in Iowa to be on a steady increase.
- How can these differences be accounted for?
- After viewing this graph and the one above, what questions do you have about what you see?
Graph #6
- This graph shows how much coal is stocked up for the purpose of being used for electricity.
- What reasons might have caused it to go up and down, particularly dropping in 2015 and 2019?
- Do you think that we are close to experiencing a new low since 2008? Why or why not?
- Why do you think there is a little gap in the graph during 2017?
Graph #7
- Look back at the previous graphs on this page. Which graph(s) might this graph help to explain or provide more information about?
