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Analysing and visualising data

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can analyse data using functions and summarise findings using charts.

Key learning points

  1. A spreadsheet function is a predefined formula that performs calculations.
  2. Spreadsheet functions can be used to analyse data.
  3. Charts can be used to visualise data in a way that is easier to understand.

Keywords

  • Function - a predefined formula that performs a calculation

  • Chart - a graphical representation of data

Common misconception

All range references in a spreadsheet needs to be the same as cell references in the format of column letter followed by row number (e.g. A1:A4).

If you want to reference the whole column you can remove the row numbers (e.g. A:A). Note that this is the only case where cell references do not have to follow the column:row convention.

Teacher tip

All Oak resources can be customised to suit the local context of your school. Change the examples in the spreadsheet used for tasks to suit the interests of your class and to reflect the context of your local area.

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

Party planning 253.39 KB (XLSX)

Download this file to use in the lesson.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Facts and figures that have been organised so that they have meaning is the definition of __________.

data
Correct answer: information
formula
cell

Q2.
A school publishes a report on the number of students who are entitled for free school meals. Is this primary or secondary data?

Correct answer: primary
secondary

Q3.
The government issues leaflets containing new health and nutrition guidelines published by researchers in France. Is this primary or secondary data?

primary
Correct answer: secondary

Q4.
is raw facts or figures without any meaning.

Correct Answer: data

Q5.
=A1*C1 is an example of a _________.

Correct answer: formula
function
chart

Q6.
Which of these is a cell reference?

Correct answer: A1
1A
AA
11

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is used to visualise information as a picture?

Correct answer: pie chart
pizza chart
apple chart
circle chart

Q2.
Which of these functions would you use to add up a range of numbers?

TOTAL
ADD
PLUS
Correct answer: SUM

Q3.
What does the MAX function find?

Correct answer: the largest value
the total
the smallest value
the first value

Q4.
What function would you use to find the smallest value?

Correct Answer: MIN

Q5.
What does the COUNTA function tell you?

Correct answer: the number of non-blank cells
the average
the largest value
the number of A's

Q6.
Which of the following are acceptable cell references?

Correct answer: A1:A3
A1-A3
Correct answer: A:A
1:3

To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Analysing and visualising data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...