Formatting a spreadsheet
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify cells in a spreadsheet and how the data has been formatted.
Key learning points
- An individual item of data is recorded in a spreadsheet cell.
- Cell references combine the column letter and row number to individually identify every cell in a spreadsheet.
- Data formats are applied to cells of a spreadsheet so that it is clear what the data entered represents.
Keywords
Cell - a rectangular box in a spreadsheet used to store data
Data format - the way in which data is arranged and presented in a spreadsheet
Common misconception
Spreadsheet software is so good now that you don't need to spend time formatting cells for the expected data as it will do it automatically.
Spreadsheet software can help, but you still need to format cells correctly to make sure the data will be displayed in the exact way you need it to be. Software doesn't always get this right.
Teacher tip
Look at shopping websites to spot where data has been formatted. Consider other ways information on the page has been formatted to draw attention to the important parts.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with spreadsheet software. Examples in this lesson use Google Sheets https://oak.link/google-sheets
File needed for this lesson
Formatting spreadsheets 58.22 KB (XLSX)
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Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term with its definition.
Q2.How can you tell where things are kept in the classroom?
Q3.What do we use spreadsheets for?
Q4.Which of these things is data?
Q5.In a spreadsheet, what is used to organise data in a group running from the top to the bottom?
Q6.What is a line of data in a spreadsheet that runs from left to right?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a rectangular box in a spreadsheet used to store data called?
Q2.What does a cell reference consist of?
Q3.Which of these is a cell reference?
Q4.Why is it important to format cells in a spreadsheet?
Q5.What should you do if spreadsheet software doesn't format data correctly?
Q6.Order these steps for formatting a cell in a spreadsheet.
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Formatting a spreadsheet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Formatting a spreadsheet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Introduction to spreadsheets unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.