openGL for scientific graphing and visual basic

i want to incorporate a graphing utility as part of surface measurement software i am upgrading. An old DOS graphing package is currently being used (as it is very reliable) - where should i start with opengl to incorporate the graphing utility into the current program? (i am a total opengl, and maybe VB, beginner) i know C/C++ well, but i have time restrictions also. any starting tips would be greatly appreciated