Handout: doing scatter diagrams in Excel
You can download a detailed 5 page handout with screen grabs to show students how to present data in a scatter diagram using Excel.
I have used this handout with several groups of students including through a VLE. They will need a suitable data set to type in. My students do the height, weight and shoe size practical early on.
The handout
- Students need a floppy disc, some data and enough space to be able to read the handout and use the keyboard
- I usually book an IT room for this activity and students work one to a computer. I do this early on so I know who can use a computer and who might need a bit of help later
- I run through the handout using a projector first (about 15 minutes) so students have seen where the icons are and know what the dialog boxes look like. Last time, one of the students talked through the functions and another student clicked the buttons during this starter. Pilot and Navigator as performance art. It was good.
- When they are working individually through the handout, I need to be checking as few people (of any age) read instructions. I'm reducing the word count when I can on handouts like this all the time.
The data
- Students collect heights in cm, weights in Kg and shoe sizes in UK early in the maths course. This lesson follows on from that work and gives them a chance to present that data using a computer.
- We look at the pattern the spreadsheet makes and at the need to change the scales on the axes to make the points fill the graph area better. Excel trendlines can be a good way of getting into a discussing if there is actually any correlation anyway!
- If you need some data to use with the handout, there is some available based on children
Originally added on Wednesday, April 9, 03
in category: ilt in maths
[ top ]
Use this form to send a comment about this resource. When you send your comment by clicking on the 'Send' button, you will be returned to this page.
[ top ]
Content by Keith Burnett and contributors
Powered by Movable Type 2.63
ilt in maths