Using an Excel Visual to Illustrate Univariate and Bivariate Variability

This paper presents a dynamic Excel visual. The visual has three graphs that are all driven by the same data, so students can see how changes (via Slider controls) in data appear on a univariate graph, a bivariate graph, and a graph that shows a ratio of two variables on one axis. The visual has macros that let a statistics teacher reveal parts of the visual separately. The paper discusses how the visual helps students learn about five conceptual issues. Concluding comments are provided to help teachers who might wish to use the visual.