Students utilize data tables culled from the US DOE Energy Information Agency to create graphs that illustrate what types of energy we use and how we use it. An MS Excel workbook with several spreadsheets of data is provided. Students pick (or the teacher assigns) one of the data tables from which students create plots and interpret the information provided. Student groups share with the class their interpretations and new perspectives on energy resources and use.

Students will be using real-life energy use data to learn how to use spreadsheets and create graphs to better organize and view data. Discussions can then follow to analyze the data and explain the usage. Real rates are then provided, and students can use the electricity consumed data to create a utility bill for the consumer and compare the standard Residential Service charges to if the member were instead billed by the “Time of Use” rate.

" This intensive micro-subject provides the necessary skills in Microsoftĺ¨ Excel spreadsheet modeling for ESD.71 Engineering Systems Analysis for Design. Its purpose is to bring entering students up to speed on some of the advanced techniques that we routinely use in analysis. It is motivated by our experience that many students only have an introductory knowledge of Excel, and thus waste a lot of time thrashing about unproductively. Many people think they know Excel, but overlook many efficient tools, such as Data Table and Goal Seek. It is also useful for a variety of other subjects."

This video demonstrates the use of both relative and absolute cell references in Excel, applies their use to formulas, and shows how to fill the formulas into adjacent cells.

This video demonstrates how to use simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division formulas in Excel 20 and how to fill them to adjacent cells.

Students learn how to use and graph real-world stream gage data to create event and annual hydrographs and calculate flood frequency statistics. Using an Excel spreadsheet of real-world event, annual and peak streamflow data, they manipulate the data (converting units, sorting, ranking, plotting), solve problems using equations, and calculate return periods and probabilities. Prompted by worksheet questions, they analyze the runoff data as engineers would. Students learn how hydrographs help engineers make decisions and recommendations to community stakeholders concerning water resources and flooding.

Cryptids, creatures of questionable existence, are used as a source of data to guide students into the creation of their own GIS data layer in Google Earth. The activity serves the purpose of a tutorial to teach students how to make data layers with a simple subject. Then they use that skill on other topics such as plastics in their neighborhood.

Create a basic spreadsheet adding in formulas to calculate shopping expenses. Given a set budget, students must "shop" for items, with some restrictions. Bonus points are given for spending down to less than five cents.

Students will have fun collecting data using the Coffee Shop Game. (1st resource)  Then they will take the collected data and enter it on a spreadsheet and review how to graph on google spreadsheets! (2nd resource)  Encourage students to problem solve how to make the best coffee and make the most money.  Collaboration is encouraged!