Formatting data in a spreadsheet
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify the components of a spreadsheet and apply formatting to improve the presentation of data.
Key learning points
- A spreadsheet is a tool used to store and analyse data.
- In a spreadsheet, data is stored in cells, which are arranged in rows and columns.
- Formatting can be applied to data in a spreadsheet to make the data easier to read and understand.
Keywords
Cell - a rectangular box that holds data in a spreadsheet
Column - a vertical group of cells that runs from the top to the bottom
Row - a horizontal line of cells that runs from left to right
Formatting - modifying the appearance of data in a spreadsheet
Common misconception
The order of column and row in a cell reference are unimportant as columns are labelled with letters and rows are labelled as numbers.
Spreadsheet cell references are presented as the combination of the column letter followed by the row number, (eg. A1, B2). If the order is interchanged any other part of the spreadsheet that references them will not be able to locate them.
Teacher tip
Pupils could extend the flag creation exercise by providing instructions to a partner and then testing out each others instructions to create the flag.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with spreadsheet software. Examples in this lesson use Google Sheets https://oak.link/google-sheets
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which one of these statements make sense?
Q2.If you are writing a list of things you need to do, so you don’t forget them. What is the best way to keep the list organised?
Q3.In the data: 34, 87, 21, 39, 34, 73 and 20, which is the highest value?
Q4.If you want to make a list of your favourite books, but also want to show which one is your absolute favourite, what could you do?
Q5.You are designing a poster for a school event. How could you make the title stand out?
Q6.A is a software tool used to store and analyse data.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the description.
a rectangular box that holds data in a spreadsheet
a vertical group of cells that runs from the top to the bottom
a horizontal group of cells that runs from left to right
modifying the appearance of data in a spreadsheet
Q2.A tells you the location of a cell.
Q3.What is the cell range of these highlighted cells?
Q4.What is the cell range of these highlighted cells?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Formatting data in a spreadsheet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Formatting data in 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Data modelling unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.