Activity: Grade 4 Leaf Project Using Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint

In these lessons, we will make graphs to share the Harvard LTER leaf data that you collected on the Briggs nature trail.

These are the technology skills we will be focusing on:

  • *Identify different ways to set up data tables in a spreadsheet.
  • *Use a spreadsheet to create a graph.

These are the math skills we will be focusing on:

  • *Collect and organize data and identify the best way to show your data.

  • *Create, draw conclusions, and make predictions from different ways of showing data: tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs.
 

MORE Fun With Spreadsheets: Leaf Number Graphs

Make a graph that answers the question, "How did the number of leaves on your tree branch change over time (from your first observation to your last)?" I will use the same graph rubric that I used for the census graphs to grade your graphs.

1) Open Microsoft Excel.

2) Set up a data table for organizing the information on the number of leaves on your branch (get the data from the data collection sheets in your EIC folder). Hint: start by entering the dates that you collected your data. Remember, your data table should identify what you are counting, and how many of each you counted.

3) Use the chart wizard to graph your data. Think carefully about what type of graph would be best for this data. Hint: the bar graph, which we used for our census data, is not the best choice for this data.

4) Use the rubric to check your work, then save (4X-leaf-your name) and print to the color printer.

 
 

Evaluating Leaf Number Graphs

Use a sticker to vote for the best graph. Remember, "best" means the graph that allows you to quickly and easily answer the question, "How did the number of leaves on the tree branch change over time (from the first observation to the last)?"

Discuss: which was the best type of graph to use for this data. Which type of graph did the real scientists from Harvard Forest use to present their data?
  EVEN MORE Fun With Spreadsheets: Leaf Color Graphs

Make a graph that answers the question, "How did the color of leaves on your tree branch change over time (from your first observation to your last)?" I will use the same rubric that I used for the census graphs to grade your graphs.

1) Open Microsoft Excel.

2) Set up a data table for organizing the information on the color of leaves on your branch (get the data from the data collection sheets in your EIC folder). Hint: start by entering the dates that you collected your data. Remember, your data table should identify what you are counting, and how many of each you counted.

3) Use the chart wizard to graph your data. Think carefully about what type of graph would be best for this data. Hint: think about what worked best for our leaf number graphs.

4) What can you do to make it easier to understand the data? Experiment with changing the design of your graph (how it looks). Hint: think about lines, colors, pictures. Experiment with changing your title. Hint: be as specific as possible.

5) Use the graph rubric to check your work, then save (4X-leaf2-your name) and print to the color printer.

6) Discuss: what makes for a "good" graph?

 
  Show What You Have Learned

Make a PowerPoint slideshow to present your data.

Slide #1: Title Slide

Slide #2: Overview (Who, What, When, Where, Why?)

Slide #3: Leaf Number Change Graph 2005

Slide #4: Leaf Number Change Graph 2006

Slide #5: Leaf Number Change Graph 2007

Slide #6: Conclusions

 
 

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Revised by Tiffany Davis on 1/28/08.