Math Project: Using Excel to Understand Foods

Math Project: Using Excel to Understand Foods

Hello students! These are your directions to complete an excel spreadsheet which you will use to create graphs and organize information. The first thing you need to do is find a recipe with at least 7 ingredients. I don’t want this project to be too easy. One such example is listed on my website.

The first thing you must do is label each column in excel. In A1-J1, you must label each column as follows, in order: Ingredients, amount, metric conversion, grams only, 2.5 servings in English, 2.5 servings in metric, ½ serving in English, ½ serving in metric, 1/3 serving in English, and 1/3 serving in metric. In the ingredients column, you should type each of your ingredients in cells A2-A8 if you have seven ingredients. The last A cell should read ‘Total’.

In column B, you should have the amount in English units. If the recipe is listed in metric, type in n/a for all of the boxes in the column. Also, you should type in n/a for all of the total slots except in column D, F, H, and J. This will be explained at a later time. Remember to include units.

In column C, convert all of your units into metric. If you are shaky on your conversions, a link is provided for you on the resources page. Remember to include units.

In column D, you must convert every unit into grams. This must be done because you need to have the same units in order to create accurate graphs for later. Remember that one kilogram is equal to a thousand grams. Also, one ml is equivalent to one gram. DO NOT INCLUDE UNITS. This is the only column you should not include units in. This is because you labeled the top cell to say all of the cells are in grams. Also, the graph will not work if there are units.

Column E should list how much of each ingredient you would need if you had 2.5 servings in English. Remember to include units. Column F should be the same, but should be based off of your original grams total. In column F you should not have units. You need a total for F, but not E.

Columns G and H and I and J are exactly the same as E and F, except with ½ and 1/3 of a serving. Remember to have units but no total in G and I, and no units but have a total in H and J.

Finally make a graph in order to show your data. A pie graph would probably work best for this activity. Highlight A2-A8 and D2-D8. Click insert, then pie graph. I would prefer you use a 2D pie graph without any pieces that come out or move.

Write why you will not need to make more than one graph in cell K1.