Using Excel graphing functions Mr. Lesser 2012

Do Now Compare the two graphs below. Fill out the similarities and differences chart on your paper. Then answer the question below the graphs. Which graph would you rather use in a lab report and why? Please use full sentences and give at least 3 reasons why you would choose the one you did.

SimilaritiesDifferences -The computer generated graph has a clearly organized Key -The hand-drawn graph has points that do not line up with the x-axis -The computer generated graph has a different color for each line -The computer generated graph has trend lines that are exact -The computer generated graph has a title with lots of information in it - They both show the same data -They both have the same axis titles and numbering -They both show what each line is through the use of a key

Hand Written/Given Data Data Table in Excel Rough Graph in Excel Formatted Graph in Excel Time (Seconds) Distance (Meters) The Process of Creating a Scientific Graph

Let’s do a graph together. We will be starting this example with the data table provided on your worksheet titled “SAMPLE 1”.

Step 1 Open Excel Select the cell B2 This will be the first cell of your data table In this cell type your independent variables name and its units Step 2 Single Click on cell C2 In this cell type your dependent variable’s name and its units

Step 3 Begin entering your data into the cells below your title cells. Once you have entered a number you can click to move onto the next cell Step 4 Easily format your cells: 1.Highlight all the cells 2.In the Home Tab click the button (looks like a widow pane) and select “All Borders”

Step 5 (Making the Graph) Again highlight all the cells In the Insert Tab click the Option and then select the top right option called “Scatter with smooth lines and markers” Step 6 Your graph should now pop up on your screen next to your data table. Note: The graph is NOT finished. It has some formatting errors that need to be fixed. (See next steps)

Step 7 (Formatting the Graph) In the Layout Tab select the button and then select “Above Chart” Step 8 To edit the title: Double Click the Title Once you see the cursor start blinking in the title text box – type your desired title.

Step 9 (Labeling the X-axis) In the Layout Tab select the button then select and then click “Title Below Axis” Step 10 To edit the X-Axis Label: Double Click the X-Axis Label Once you see the cursor start blinking in the text box – type your desired label.

Step 11 (Labeling the Y-axis) In the Layout Tab select the button then select and then click “Rotated Title” Step 12 To edit the y-Axis Label: Double Click the y-Axis Label Once you see the cursor start blinking in the text box – type your desired label.

Step 13 (Getting rid of the legend – if needed) In graphs with only one plot you may not need a legend. You can delete it if it is not necessary. In the Layout Tab select the button and then click “None” Step 14 (Moving the Graph to a New Window) To move the graph to a new window: Right Click the graph Click “Move Chart” In the box that pops up select the top option “New Chart” – if you would like to save your chart with a custom name, enter the name into the text box Click OK

Step 15 (Printing) To print your graph Click on the Windows Icon Select and Click Print Finished: Now create your own graph using your salt water data.

Independent Work: Please use the your group data from yesterday’s lab to create your own graph. When you have printed your graph bring it to the teacher. Also print the screen containing your formatted data set.