Organizing and Presenting Data

Create a table using Excel:

1. Open new document (Excel).

2. Type Title (A1).

3. Input values for independent variable

(mass, angle, length) in column A2.

4. Label columns (Time Period) for the 3 trials (Time 1, Time, 2, Time 3).

5. Enter values for all trials.

6. Set formula to get average of 3 trials.

Type: =average(then highlight data-B3:D#)

7. Copy and Paste other cells

8. Edit table (center, justify, etc).

9. Set Borders

Tips:

1. Merging Cells

Right click Format cell alignment merge

2. Fixing average values

Right click Format cells number Select 2 decimal places

Create a graph using Excel:

1. Select and drag down first column (independent variable)

click control key select and drag down

average Time period column

2. Click Insert Select chart

Choose XY scatter .

3. Click Chart Layout Select Layout 10

4. Click Axis Title, label X and Y axis

5. To delete background, left double click,

select delete.

6. Save graph or paste in a Word document.7. Add appropriate title to graph.

Using the graph to predict swing height:

1. Right click on any data point in the graph Select Add Trend line Select Power.

2. Making projections: (target- 2.8 sec)

Backward forecast: enter number lower than shortest length (9.99- this shows curve of line from 0)

Forward forecast: Right click on trend line Format trend line Options Forward enter 50 or higher

3. Finding 2.8 sec (Time Period):

Left Double click anywhere on scale Format axis Scale Change major unit (5 or 10) for X axis Change major unit for Y axis (0.2)

4. Mark predicted length based on a 2.8 Time Period.

PLAYGROUND DESIGN LAB (Swings)