Prerequisite Skills: The students have the following prerequisite skills:
Given an URL locate a web site
Cut and paste data from the Internet into a worksheet
Format data in a worksheetHave the students work in pairs Tell them that they will need to develop at least one line graph and a pie chart, which they will need to present to the other class members. Inform the students they will be assess on how clearly their graphs/charts display the information to their audience. They can decide what type of weather data they would like to display (i.e. snowfall, rainfall, etc.). The students are to follow along with the demonstration of how to create and modify line graphs and pie charts and then they will be given time to collaborate and produce their presentation.
Students will follow along through the demonstration on their workstations.Steps for creating a line graph:
1. Go to the World Climate web site at http://www.worldclimate.com.
2. Locate the average temperature data (broken out by months) for the town you live in (i.e., Harrisburg, PA) and another town somewhere in the world (instructor should assign the area for the demonstration only - i.e., Seattle, WA). Ask them what type of statistical data did the average temperature data represent? How is the information display at this web sites?
3. Cut and paste the data into a worksheet. (They should have 12 columns with headings for each month of the year and two rows one labeled Harrisburg, PA and the other labeled Seattle, WA. Example:
4. Start chart wizard by clicking the chart wizard button located on the toolbar.
5. Select the line graph, click on the press and view button to preview graph.
6. Enter title (temperature comparison), x-axis months, and y-axis (average temperature) headers.
7. Chart location select new sheet.
8. Editing text, using your mouse right click on the text you want to edit. Then select font, font size, and color (just like you would on a worksheet) for your graph.
9. Editing gridlines, using your mouse right click on the gridlines. Then select whether you want major, minor or no gridlines.
10. Editing background, using your mouse right click on the background. Then select the color and texture of the background for the graph, then the x-axis and y-axis thickness and color.
11. Changing the color of the lines, using your mouse right click on the line you want to change. Then select the color you want the line to be by clicking on the color palette.
12. Moving legend, using your mouse right click on the legend then select the location you want the legend to appear on the page.After the student have created the line graph, ask them how to compare the data in the table versus the line graph? Which one is it easier to describe the average temperature differences.
Once again, have the students follow along through the demonstration on their workstations.
Steps for creating a pie chart:
1. Start chart wizard by clicking the chart wizard button located on the toolbar.
2. Select the pie chart, click on the press and view button to preview graph.
3. Select only one row of data along with the column headings this can be done by the mouse. Bring attention to the fact that they are only using one row and ask the students why?
4. Enter title and labels for pie chart.
5. Chart location select new sheet.
6. Editing text, using your mouse right click on the text you want to edit. Then select font, font size, and color (just like you would on a worksheet) for your graph.
7. Changing the color of the pie pieces, using your mouse right click on the line you want to change. Then select the color you want the line to be by clicking on the color palette.
8. Moving legend, using your mouse right click on the legend then select the location you want the legend to appear on the page.After the demonstrations ask them how pie charts and line graphs show data differently and when would they use pie charts versus line graphs.
Assessment will be based on their presentation of their line graphs and pie charts to the class.
New Jobs on Teachers.Net
