Excel Graphing in Middle School Science

AST Provincial ConferenceOctober2004

Tabitha Bainbridge Aaron Driscoll

Agenda

9:00 Welcome, Objectives, Outcomes

9:10 Data Collection

9:40 Analysis Part A – Graphing with Excel

9:50 Analysis Part B – Making sense of the data

(check progress)

10:00 Extending Excel – online tutorials

Simulation Surfing –”Density and Buoyancy”

10:20 Group Reflection and Post-assessment

10:30 Happy Trails

Session Objectives

Why use Excel in the classroom?

It can be integrated into classroom practice to analyse and display non-fiction data.

It provides another way for students to manipulate information, construct knowledge, experience learning and develop transferable skills.Technology motivates!

Science 8 Outcomes208-5 state a prediction and a hypothesis based on information or an observe pattern of events.

209-3 use instruments effectively and accurately for collecting data

209-4 organize data using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment

210-6 interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer and explain relationships among the variables

210-11 state a conclusion based on experimental data, and explain how evidence gathered supports or refutes the initial idea

211-2 communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans, and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language, and other means

307-8 describe the relationship between the mass, volume, and density of solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model of matter

“Vision” OutcomesPTS 9.2 In the process of collecting, analyzing and displaying data, students will independently create electronic charts, tables and graphs; and design, create, and manipulate spread sheets and databases.

RPSD 3.3 Students will accurately use simple measuring devices and record their findings on charts and graphs. (Relates to 9.4 below)

RPSD 3.4 Students will analyse charts, maps and graphs to predict patterns and relationships in information, and to support accurate decision-making. (Relates to 9.4 below)

RPSD 9.4 Students will independently select, use and occasionally develop specialized techniques to create communication environments, processes and products in print, media and electronic forms which meet defined information needs and appropriate quality standards.

Time to Play!

Why Excel?

Top 10 Reasons for Attending PD

10. Free food!

9. Free posters for your bedroom walls

8. See the “have” and “have-not” schools of the HRSB

7. Extra long lunch at the pub

6. Sleep in … NO LATE SLIPS!

5. Friday or Monday PD? … happy long weekend!

4. Free casual day

3. 5 hours closer to fulfilling 100 hour PD requirement2. Paid vacation

And the # 1 reason for attending PD….

EARLY DISMISSAL !

PD Pet Peeves?

The Problem…

“The current arrangements for the professional development of teachers too often lead to unfocused, fragmented, low-intensity activities that do not lead to significant changes in teaching practice.”

(Corcoran, 1995)

Effective PD

Must be: Needs specific Productive Non-threatening Interactive Collaborative Accessible Focused

You must: Know your participants Assess and support learning Recognize and reward efforts Provide follow-up support

Annotated Bibliography

See Word Document