In this lesson, students will learn how to use Excel on a Mac to create a line graph with standard deviation bars, following a guided, step-by-step process using a provided dataset. See below for more details:

WHO is this resource for? This lesson is intended for high-school students.

WHAT is included in this resource?

• ✅ 30-min lesson including...
• Step-by-step guidance
• Answer key with screenshots
• Rubric
• Teacher Tips
• ✅ 13 pages

WHEN would be ideal to use this resource? This lesson plan is intended to be used any time during the year, though it would be best after students have learned How to Format a Data Table Using Excel and How to Calculate Averages and Standard Deviation Using Excel.

Where: This lesson plan works in a classroom or homeschool setting.

Why: Use this lesson to introduce students to creating line graphs with standard deviation bars in Excel on a Mac—essential skills that will enhance their proficiency in data analysis and support their success in future science classes and college-level studies. This lesson is also...

• ✅ EASILY GRADED – A simple 5-point rubric is provided at the end for easy assessment.
• ✅ EASY TO FOLLOW – Includes clear student notes and teacher tips for customization.
• ✅ EDITABLE – The lesson is in Google Doc format, allowing easy customization for your class.
• ✅ LOW PREP – Just have internet access, and you're set to go.
• ✅ STUDENT SKILL FOCUSED – This lesson emphasizes essential student skills such as learning how to graph using Excel, which is a crucial skill in many college-level science classes.
• ✅ STUDENT FACING – With embedded instructions, students can independently navigate the lesson.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

If you'd like to see other similar resources, click on the links below:

• How to Format a Data Table in Excel
• How To Calculate Averages and Standard Deviation in Excel
• How To Create a Line Graph with Standard Deviation Bars in Excel

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SUPPORT

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Send them my way! I'm always happy to help any way I can - please email me: annemarie@instructivatescience.com

TERMS OF USE AND LICENSING

Each purchase grants one license for use by one teacher or classroom (more detailed terms of use are located at the very end of the resource itself). If you know of another teacher that would also like to use this product, please purchase additional licenses at a discounted rate of 50% off. To do this…

1. Click “Add to Cart,” 
2. Select “Buy Licenses to Share”
3. Enter the number of discounted licenses you need.

UPDATES

I’m always updating my products to keep them fresh and effective! To ensure you have the latest version, there is no need to repurchase - just follow these steps:

1. Go to the TpT homepage and click "MY TpT" (top right).
2. Select "MY PURCHASES."
3. Find the product—if you see “NEWLY REVISED RE-DOWNLOAD,” that means there’s an updated version ready for you. Just click the link and you’re golden

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[Updated 6/2/26]