Graphing
By - Rachel A. Arndt
Primary Subject - Computers / Internet
Secondary Subjects - Math
Grade Level - 6-8
SUBJECT: Computer
TOPIC OF LESSON: Bar Graphing on the Computer
Software: Spreadsheets  

I. OBJECTIVES:


A. Student will create a bar graph on the computer using given information from the teacher.


B. Student will create a bar graph using their own information chart (they will need to create one on separate paper first).

 

II. MATERIALS


A. Computer for each student (may also be done in groups of 2 students per computer)


B. Microsoft Excel program on all computers


C. Bar Graph examples (colored if possible) This can be created by the teacher simply by creating the image on the computer, press the "print screen" key on the keyboard and paste it into a simple paint program. Then, you can simply print your creation.


D. Bar Graph example handouts for each student


E. Graphed paper (squares need to be big enough to write in)--may use plain paper

 

III. ACTIVITIES:


A. Introduction: Show bar graph example and explain that we call them graphs, but your computer will call them charts.


B. Transition:
          1. Go down to computer lab. (unless already there)


          2. Have all students turn on their computers and sign in.


C. Sequence of Activities:
          1. Pass out chart example handouts.


          2. Tell them how to get to MS Excel.

 

3. Have them look at the information on their handout. (Make sure they are looking at the graphed information and not the chart.)


4. Walk them through entering the data step-by-step. (i.e. make sure box A:1 is highlighted before entering the data there, then move the highlighting to box B:1 and enter that data, etc.) Let them know that Wednesday will be partially hidden in the boxes, but that’s ok because the information is still there, we just cannot see all of it right now.


5. After all of the information has been entered, have them create a graph.
              a. Make sure the empty box in the upper right hand corner is

    highlighted.

b. Highlight the entire table of information by first pressing and    

                                        holding the shift key. Then, press the right arrow key to

                                        highlight the top boxes. Continue to hold the shift key and press

                                        the down arrow key to highlight the rest of the boxes. (Now we

                                        are ready to create a graph.)

 

          6. On bar at the top of the screen, where you see the names file, edit, view,

insert, etc., click on insert. (This will bring down another list of words or

options.)


          7. Look through the list until you find the word chart and click on it. (This

should bring up the chart wizard.) (May show picture of what they should

see if you have it.)
          

8. Now, follow the steps on the chart wizard.
            a. The Column type is already selected and we want the simple,

solid line graphs. Now, click the next button at the bottom of the

wizard.
            

b. Your information should already be selected, so the Data range

line will be highlighted. If not, raise your hand for help. Otherwise,

click the next button.
            

c. The legend is fine where it is, but we need to give our graph a

title. In the chart wizard, there are tabs at the top labeled, Title,

Axes, Gridlines, Legends, etc. Click on the Title tab. Show picture.
            

d. Click on the white box below the "chart title:" and type the title

of our chart. "Snow Fall"
            

e. Next, click on the Category (x) axis, label it "Days of the

Week".
            

f. Label the Value (y) Axis "Inches of Snow". (If you press the tab

key you can double check your work in the sample box.)
            

g. When you have done that, click the next button. We want the

object to be on sheet one, which is already indicated, so all you

have to do is click finish and watch the computer create it!
            

h. Go up to File, and Print Preview to see a full page picture of

your Graph/Chart.
            

i. Now, click on the Print button to print the file.


Note: Allow those students who have mastered the graph setup to experiment with the different types of graphs while you assist those who are having trouble.

IV. CLOSURE:


After the students have successfully created this chart, review how to create a chart with them, pass out graph paper, and allow them to create their own charts using their own information

Lesson found at http://www.lessonplanspage.com/CIJH.htm