Activity 6 - Using graphs

Before we proceed, it may be time to relax a bit. Spreadsheets have a reputation for being complex. This has led to spreadsheet developers being on the receiving end of jokes about their intelligence. You may like to read a joke or two about spreadsheets before getting back to work.

The purpose of this activity is to introduce you to the use of simple graphs. We focus on a set of  class results for an exam or test as an example. Note that Excel refers to graphs as charts. A graph and a chart is the same thing.You have a choice in this activity. We would like you to use graphs in a context that is most meaningful to you. As a teacher of a subject like Science, Maths, Biology, Economics or Geography, you may find the use of data and graphs occurs regularly in your teaching.

We encourage you to do Activity 6A - Using graphs in class. If you rarely use data and graphs we recommend Activity 6B - Symbol distribution. 

Self-activity 6A - Using graphs in class

Do this option or Activity 6B.

1. In this activity we want you to create a graph in a spreadsheet that you can use in a printed form in class. For example, this may be in a worksheet, class exercise, notes or a test paper. Find a set of data that you will need in class in the near future.  You may like to read some useful statistics websites in order to get data for this activity.
   
   Activity 6A - Symbol Distribution
   
2. Type the data into a spreadsheet and create a simple graph chart. Use the following tips if you need to:
   
   - tips on Spreadsheets
3. Once you have completed your graph, experiment with formatting the chart area (right click on the chart). Change the colour scheme and fonts according to your preference.

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Self-activity 6B - Symbol distribution

Do this option if you have not done Activity 6A - Using graphs in class

1. If you are not confident using your own record book, use the following figures and create a simple spreadsheet to work with in this activity. Type the following information in a new spreadsheet:

	A	B
1	SYMBOL DISTRIBUTION
2	A	5
3	B	6
4	C	10
5	D	17
6	E	15
7	F	7
8	FF	2
9	G	0
10	H	1

2. Create a simple line graph of the symbol distribution. Select all the symbols and figures in the symbol distribution and click on the Chart Wizard icon.

The chart must be a line graph and it must have the title Symbol Distribution. For further assistance, look at the 

- tips on Spreadsheets

Remember that you can ask questions or discuss problems by sending a message to your group.

3. Once you have your graph (chart) on your page, you will notice that it is back to front. Normal symbol distributions have the A's on the right hand side. You need to sort the symbol distribution data in the worksheet in descending order. In other words the H must be at the top and the A at the bottom. Select all the data before you sort.

 If you need help, look at the tips on Sorting data.

4. You will notice that your graph line is very pointy. Right-click on the graph line itself and use Format Data Series to choose aSmoothed line.
5. (Optional) Experiment with formatting the chart area. Right click on the chart and change the colour scheme and fonts according to your preference.

Remember that you can ask questions or discuss problems by sending a message to your group.

Click here to see an example of the finished product.