Task Most spreadsheets have graphing functions that create graphs of individual columns of data to facilitate comparing the columns of data. Use the graphing function of the spreadsheet below to graph the daily temperatures by date to see the pattern of the temperatures during the month. Next, graph the temperatures after they have been sorted from lowest to highest in the spreadsheet. In this way, students can get a different view of the data, showing the range and distribution of the temperatures for January. Make a bar graph to display the sky conditions during the time documented in the spreadsheet.
Spreadsheets offer a wide range of options for representing data.
Working with spreadsheets, students must make decisions about the data they select, the type of graph that is appropriate for both the data and the question they want to answer, and the best settings for the different parameters that control the aspects of the graph. When making these choices, students have the opportunity to learn about the advantages and limitations of the different representations they try.