1. Average Rebound Height
A sample experiment
Experimental Data and Calculations
Sheets
n / no units
n = 0
Rebound Height
hi / cm
hi = 0.2 cm
Average Rebound Height
h / cm
h = 2.0 cm
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
54.8
55.1
54.6 55 2
53.4
52.5
49.6 52 4
50.7
48.7
48.6 49 6
49.0
47.1
48.5 48
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund 8
45.9
45.0
44.6 45 10
39.5
41.4
42.4 41 12
35.8
34.0
35.1 35 14
31.1
33.5
33.0 33 16
29.7
27.2
29.3 29

2. Entering your Excel data
So now that you have spent a good portion of your life gathering data, you want to present it in a graphical form that is worthy of your supreme effort.
Enter your data in a new Excel spreadsheet as follows:
Column A gets your x-data values.
Column B gets your y-data values.
Recall that h = 2
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund
Row 1 gets your
- / + error
Row 9 gets your
+ / - error

3. Graphing your Excel data
To make your graph do the following:
Highlight the first two columns (the x and y data).
FYI: It is recommended that you graph your data on one graph, and your slope error on another.
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

4. Graphing your Excel data
With your data highlighted, go to the (dare we say it) "Chart Wizard" icon.
Then choose "XY (Scatter)" in the Chart type list window:
In the chart sub-type window choose the NON-CONNECTED scatter plot:
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund
FYI: NEVER connect your dots.
FYI: NEVER connect your dots.
FYI: NEVER connect your dots.
FYI: NEVER connect your dots.

5. Graphing your Excel data
Hit the "Next >" button to Step 3 of 4.
On the "Titles" tab enter the three fields as shown.
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

6. Graphing your Excel data
On the "Gridlines" tab choose your grid.
I chose all of them on this graph, but sometimes your graphs are too crowded.
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

7. Graphing your Excel data
On the "Legend" tab uncheck "Show Legend."
This will give your graph more space for easier reading.
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

8. Graphing your Excel data
Click "Next >" and then "Finish." Your graph will look something like this:
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

9. Adding a best-line fit to your graph
Now you will want to add a best-line fit to your graph.
With your graph highlighted, choose "Chart  Add Trendline..." from the menu:
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

10. Adding a best-line fit to your graph
Click the "Type" tab and then choose "Linear."
On the "Options" tab check the "Display equation on chart" box:
Click "OK."
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

11. Adding error bars to your graph
DOUBLE CLICK any one of the data points.
The "Format Data Series" window will open up.
Choose the "Y Error Bars" tab.
Pick the appropriate display...
Then enter your error amount.
Click "OK."
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

12. Adding your slope-error lines
Highlight your x-data column and your error columns as shown:
The "Ctrl" key is the key to use.
Your graph will look like this:
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund

13. Adding your slope-error lines
Now insert trendlines for each data set, and include their equations.
FYI: You can change the line colors, and the format/positions of the text boxes containing the equations.
© 2006 By Timothy K. Lund
FYI: Try SINGLE and DOUBLE clicks.
FYI: Try RIGHT clicks.