Using a Computer Spreadsheet
Calculating Class Percentages and Graphing the Data

1) Open Claris Works and a new spreadsheet document.

2) Put the following title in square A1: Group#

3) Put the following title in square B1: % Native Coverage

4) Put the following title in square C1: % Non-Native Coverage

5) To widen the column so that you can see all of the title, move the mouse to the line between two columns and a bar with arrows will appear. Click and drag the line whichever direction you want to make the column: wider or narrower. Let go of the mouse when you are finished.

6) In Column B, highlight the entire column by clicking on the B. Go under the Format menu and click on Numbers. Click in the circle next to Fixed.

7) Put the number 2 in the Precision Box and click on OK.

8) Repeat the above steps for Column C.

9) Each horizontal row represents an individual plot. Copy the percentages off the board into the appropriate square.

10) Skip 5 rows underneath the last entry. The next row will be the average of the individual plots. Instead of typing the whole list of numbers to be averaged and making an equation, the computer has an average function programmed in. The formula is: =average(the square number that you start with)..(the square number you end with). For instance, I have individual plot numbers in rows 2, 3, and 4; therefore my formula would be: =average(b2..b4)

11) This same formula applies to your last column. You may type it in or copy and paste it.

12) Go under the File menu and click on Save As. Give your document a name you will remember and click on Save.

13) Under the File menu, click on Print, and click again in the upper box.

14) Use this information to make a conclusion and include this spreadsheet as part of your lab report.

15) Draw a sketch of what you think the graph should look like and have it checked by your teacher before you try to graph on the computer. Include a label for the X and Y axis and the scale that will be used. When your teacher has checked you off in the grade book, you may follow the directions for making a graph on the computer.

16) Highlight the squares that you want in the graph (not Column A).

17) Go under the Options menu and click on Make Chart.

18) Under categories in the window, double click on whichever type of graph you want. This will open another window that will give you options for your chart. You may click x's in the boxes of things you want on your chart or take off x's of things you don't want. It might ask you for numbers for the x or y axis. Put in the lowest number you want on your chart in the minimum box and the highest number you want in the maximum box. Then click OK and see what happens. Print only one graph for your lab report. You may have to add labels and titles before handing it in.

Sample Graph