Microsoft Excel

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Microsoft Excel

• Using Excel to Graph Data
• Juliana Yam November 14, 2006

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A Quick Review Variables

• Independent Variable
• Variable that we can control or change.
• Dependent Variable
• Variable that changes as a possible result of a
  change in the independent variable.
• We cannot control the dependent variable.
• Constant
• Value that is fixed and does not change.

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Recording Data

• Construct a data table that includes columns for
  both your independent and your dependent
  variables.
• When collecting data for your independent
  variables, try using increments, such as 2, 5, or
  10, that are easier to measure, especially if you
  are graphing by hand.
• Remember your units of measurement!

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Example Data Table
Table 1 Change in pH as volume of base increases.
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Graphs

• X- axis variable?
• Y- axis variable?
• Important Items
• Title of graph
• Axis labels
• Units of measurement

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How can we use Excel?

• First, we need to collect some data!
• Population Growth
• Rabbits and Foxes
• Once you reach this website, please read the
  short introduction that is given.
• Once you have finished reading, click on the link
  for Part A Rabbits Hunters.

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Before You Begin Collecting Data

• Construct your data table first! (Use a sheet of
  notebook paper first. You can create a table in
  Microsoft Word later on.)
• What is your independent variable?
• What is your dependent variable?
• What are your constants?
• What is the title for your data table?
• Once you have your data table established, you
  can begin collecting data.

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Now, on to Excel

• Open a blank Excel spreadsheet.
• In column A, enter the data that you want for
  your X-axis. This will be data for your
  independent variable.
• In column B, enter the data that you want for
  your Y-axis. This will be data for your dependent
  variable.

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Excel, continued

• Once you have entered all of your data, use your
  cursor to drag and highlight all data in both
  columns.
• Next, keeping your data highlighted, move your
  cursor and click on the Chart Wizard icon, or
  click on Tools and then click on Chart.

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• Click on XY (scatter plot) and click next.
• A picture of your graph should appear. Click
  next again.
• On the next window, you can enter the title of
  your graph, as well as label your x and y axes.
  You will also want to click on the gridlines
  tab and make sure both the major and minor
  gridlines for your axes are selected.
• Click next once you have finished formatting
  your graph.

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• On the final window, make sure as object in
  sheet 1 is selected, then click next, and your
  graph should appear next to your data!
• If you need a best fit line for your graph,
  click on one of the data points, right click, and
  select add trend line.
• You can print your graph as well simply make
  sure your chart only is selected on the print
  window before printing.
• Once your graphs and data tables are complete,
  you can begin analyzing your results!

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Additional Comments

• XY scatter plot may be the type of graph a
  majority of you will use, especially if you are
  collecting data that is continuous or occurs over
  time.
• However, there may be times when you will want to
  use a bar graph, especially if you are collecting
  data that focuses more on comparisons (such as
  the number of people who eat a certain type of
  candy bar).
• You can use Excel for these types of graphs as
  well just make sure you select a column or bar
  graph instead of an XY scatter plot.

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Any Questions?