Data Storytelling Excel

Facilitator: Ms. Kenya Akins

School: John R. Griffin Middle School
Grade: 7
Subject: Technology – Digital Literacy
Week: March 16–20, 2026
Class Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

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Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces students to the fundamentals of data storytelling using Microsoft Excel in Office 365. Students will learn to distinguish between raw data tables and charts, understand Excel table anatomy, select appropriate chart types (Bar, Line, Pie), construct formatted tables, and generate charts. The goal is to develop digital literacy competency aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for math and English Language Arts, and ISTE Standards for Students in technology use.

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Standards Alignment

Standard Category	Code	Description
Mathematics – Data & Graphs	CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.B.3	Understand and evaluate statistical relationships in data; use graphical displays.
English Language Arts	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7	Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a visual representation of data (e.g., charts).
Technology & Digital Literacy (ISTE Standards)	ISTE 1.6.2	Students create digital artifacts that demonstrate data analysis and visualization skills.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the differences between raw data tables and graphical charts.
• Describe key components of an Excel table (cells, header row, sort & filter functions).
• Select appropriate chart types (Bar, Line, Pie) based on data storytelling needs.
• Build and format a data table in Excel accurately.
• Generate and customize charts in Excel to visually represent data.
• Explain the choice of charts used based on the nature of the data.

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Materials & Technology Needed

• Microsoft Office 365 (Excel access) on school computers or tablets with Excel installed
• Projector + Presentation Slides (prepared in PowerPoint/Google Slides)
• Handouts: Snack Vote Data Set
• Student notebooks for notes and reflections
• Timer

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Lesson Flow Breakdown

Time	Activity Description	Details & Facilitation Notes
5 min	Warm-up & Hook: Data Table vs. Chart Discussion	Show students two visual examples side-by-side: a raw data table and a related chart. Ask: Which tells the story better? Why? Encourage participation; highlight the power of charts to summarize and make data meaningful. Use projector slides.
10 min	Direct Instruction: Excel Table Anatomy	Define & explain cells, header row, sorting, and filtering. Show an Excel window screenshot via projector. Highlight navigation tips within Excel tables. Use "I can identify cells and use sort/filter in Excel tables" statement.
10 min	Chart Type Exploration	Explain three basic chart types: Bar, Line, Pie. Provide examples for each using snack preference data. Discuss when each chart type is most effective for data storytelling. Interactive Q&A to reinforce understanding. Use slides with visuals.
15 min	Guided Practice: Snack Vote Table & Chart	Distribute snack vote data handouts. Together, input the data into an Excel table and format it (create headers, apply filters). Guide students through chart creation (Bar chart recommended for clarity). Students follow step-by-step on their devices with teacher support.
15 min	Independent Lab: Create Your Own Data Story	Students gather or invent a small data set (e.g., favorite sports, pets, colors). They create a formatted table and generate one or two charts to represent their data, choosing appropriate chart types. Teacher circulates to assist.
5 min	Wrap-up & Reflection	Students share their charts with a partner and explain their chart type choice. Exit ticket: Write one sentence on when to use each chart type. Collect for formative assessment.

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Detailed Activity Notes

Warm-up & Hook

• Focus on student engagement. Use relatable and simple data like “Class Snack Preferences."
• Pose thought-provoking questions to stimulate curiosity about data visualization.

Excel Table Anatomy

• Use clear, jargon-free language: "A cell is where you type a number or word."
• Demonstrate practical skills on projector screen to visually anchor learning.

Chart Types

• Introduce with real-world analogies (e.g., pie chart like slicing a pizza; bar chart like measuring height).
• Highlight that different data stories require different visuals.

Guided Practice

• Emphasize correct data entry and formatting (bold header row, freeze panes if possible).
• Scaffold the process to reduce cognitive load—pause regularly to check understanding.

Independent Lab

• Encourage creativity within constraints (small data sets).
• Provide starter templates if needed for varying skill levels.

Wrap-up & Reflection

• Use exit tickets as quick checks on learning and as a bridge for next lessons.
• Provide positive feedback and encourage peer learning through sharing.

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Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment Type	Description	Alignment
Formative – Observation	Teacher checks student progress during guided practice and independent lab.	CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.B.3
Exit Ticket	One-sentence explanation of appropriate chart usage.	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7
Class Participation	Engagement during discussion and guided practice activities.	ISTE 1.6.2

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Extensions & Differentiation

• For advanced learners: Encourage experimenting with other chart types (scatterplots, histograms) and exploring more Excel features like conditional formatting.
• For struggling students: Provide a vocabulary sheet of terms (cell, header, chart, filter) and video tutorials for extra support. Use buddies for peer assistance.
• For English Language Learners & Dyslexia: Use high-contrast slides, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and provide oral instructions alongside written directions.

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Reflection for Ms. Akins

• Consider recording the Excel demonstration for students to revisit as homework.
• Incorporate more real-life data scenarios relevant to students’ interests to boost engagement.
• Plan follow-up lessons to explore data analysis and interpretation to deepen digital literacy skills further.

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"I Can..." Statements for Students

• I can explain the difference between raw data tables and charts.
• I can identify the parts of an Excel table, including cells and header rows.
• I can select an appropriate chart type to represent my data visually.
• I can create a formatted data table and produce charts in Excel.
• I can explain why I chose a specific chart to tell my data story.

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Ms. Akins, this lesson plan brings rich, interactive, standards-aligned practice in digital literacy—empowering your students to confidently navigate Excel while telling meaningful stories with data. It balances technical skills with critical thinking to foster a deep understanding that goes beyond clicking buttons. A strong foundation for 7th graders ready to thrive in the digital world!