JCE Online Journal of Chemical Education
 | Subscriptions  | Software Orders  | Support  | Contributors  | Advertisers  | 

JCE Print

JCE Digital Library

JCE Software

Only@JCE Online

About JCE


  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002  > January  >
Information • Textbooks • Media • Resources
Some Unusual Applications of the "Error-Bar" Feature in Excel Spreadsheets
Kieran F. Lim
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia

Cover
January 2002
Vol. 79 No. 1
p. 135

Abstract
This paper demonstrates how the "error-bar" feature can be used to extend the utility of "worldware" spreadsheet packages in producing high-quality graphs for university teaching and learning, and for research. To further utilize the advantages of spreadsheets in university education, this paper seeks to overcome some of the earlier reservations about the lack of scientific plotting capabilities of spreadsheet applications. Specific examples of educational material in the areas of enzyme kinetics, vibrational spectroscopy, vibronic spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are discussed. It is argued that, where practical, university educators should use "worldware" packages to prepare teaching aids, since these would better prepare their students for future employment. The use of software features for purposes that were not envisioned by the programmers has additional educational benefits in fostering flexibility and innovation. Other graphing packages can also use the "error-bar" feature in a manner similar to that described here for Excel.

Absorbance spectrum of gaseous iodine

This figure charts a visible absorption spectrum of gaseous iodine showing the main vibronic sequence and hot bands.

More Information
*  Citation
Lim, Kieran F. J. Chem. Educ. 2002 79 135.
*  Keywords
Computer Assisted Instruction; Statistics / Data Analysis; Teaching / Learning Aids
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
December 3, 2001
August 30, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002 > January > Page 135


Subscriptions

JCE HS CLIC

Our Secondary School editors work hard to distill all the JCE materials to produce a fraction of particular interest to high school teachers. We call it CLIC.


Contributions Welcome
JCE welcomes your submission

Advertisers
In recent years we have worked hard to better match our advertisers with our readers. When shopping for chemistry education materials, visit our advertisers' WWW sites first.

Be An Ambassador
Take JCE along on your outreach missions. Copies of the Journal, guest access to JCE Online, our publications catalog, and more are available for your participants.