Creating Bar Graphs that Show Standard Error of the Mean

Below are two video tutorials that show you how to calculate standard error of the mean (first tutorial) and how to create a bar graph with customized error bars.  Watch each tutorial to learn how to make your graphs for the acorn lab.

How to calculate standard error of the mean and set up a table to create a bar graph

How to create a bar graph that compares two means and shows customized standard error bars

Copy and paste your graph into a word document, write your name, the date, a place for a page number and the heading "Acorn Post Lab Questions" then answer the questions below:

1. Compare the size of the standard error between your sample and the overall class sample.  Which standard error is smaller?  Why?

2. Identify one source of natural variability in your data.

3. Suggest a reason for how this variability could impact your data.

4. Identify two sources of experimental variability in your data.

5. For each source of experimental variability you identified, explain how it could impact your data.

6. What do the standard error of the mean bars (I) on your graph represent?


Save this document as "acorn post lab questions."

Print it out and bring it to class on Tuesday.

The difference between standard deviation and standard error

Today we learned about ways to manipulate our data and see how 'trustworthy' our mean is.  Tomorrow, please bring your computer to class again, as well as headphones. You will be learning how to make the beautiful graph below.

Wondering why your chart doesn't have a title?  I'm not going to do ALL the work for you :) 

Homework:  Please review your evolution concept map and the evolution packet.  You will have an assessment on evolution on Tuesday in class.