1. SCIENCE SKILLS : SPREADSHEETS
Summer work for incoming AP/H science students

2. Why learn a spreadsheet?
Scientific inquiry generates data…and with the advent of computers, lots and lots of data. In turn, computer programs are used to compile and statistically analyze that data. Excel is a spreadsheet program used in academic and industry labs for organization, calculation, and presentation of data.
Excel is the spreadsheet program included in the Microsoft Office suite. There are also free spreadsheet programs in Google Drive and LibreOffice.

3. Tech Requirements
This tutorial references a Mac running OS X (10.6.8) and MS Office (Excel) 2011
If you use a PC, a different version of Office, Google Sheets, etc, some details will be different than those of this tutorial
Look for command synonyms, different button locations, etc.
Search the web for a tutorial your specific hard/software if it is very different than this.

4. Build a Data Table
• Copy a string of data from any source (MLB.com, bls.gov, ncdc.noaa.gov, etc)
• Highlight a spreadsheet cell; paste the data in.
If it all pastes into one cell, go up to the ‘data’ drop down menu and choose ‘text to columns’ to separate in cells.

5. • Repeat so you have a few sets of data in a table format
• Title each row with an independent variable; each column with a dependent variable.

6. • Highlight the table; under ‘charts’ choose ’column’.
• Highlight all the cells; use the ‘borders’ button to add grid lines
• Highlight the table; under ‘charts’ choose ’column’.

7. Graphed Data
You can drag the graph around by the border

8. • Choose a chart layout and type in title, axes labels

9. Formulas for Calculations
• Formulas start with the equal sign. Use math order of operations.
• The SUM command is used to total a column or row. Write a formula, as above, or highlight the data to sum, and clickΣ.

10. Copying Formulas to Other Cells
Put the cursor in the bottom right of the cell so that it changes to a +; hold and drag right to repeat the sum command in all the rows +

11. • Use the ‘decrease decimal’ button to round (see slides 16 – 20 to follow the rules for this).

12. As You Work
Under View, check the ribbon and formula bar to make it easier to find tools/see your cell entries

13. Worksheet Displays Wrap text makes all your text visible
Merge is useful for centering a title on your sheet, etc
With Number you choose the format of your data

14. Try This • Insert additional rows and columns
the number you highlight is the number that will be inserted
• Graph only select columns of data from the table
• Write and use other formulas
i.e percent change = (((final – initial)/initial)*100)
Use the formula builder button for a list of commands
Completely flummoxed? Ask your parents – they may very well use Excel in their jobs.