Improving a spreadsheet model
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a range of tools to improve a spreadsheet model.
Key learning points
- A spreadsheet model is used to represent a real-world situation.
- It uses data to help you to understand a real-life scenario and to make plans.
- A macro is a recorded set of actions that can be repeated automatically in a spreadsheet.
- Macros can be recorded using built-in tools and assigned to buttons for easy access.
- Using macros can make spreadsheet models more efficient and easier to use.
Keywords
Model - a set of data, formulas and calculations used to test different situations
Macro - a recorded set of steps in a spreadsheet
Common misconception
A macro can only be used to clear data in a spreadsheet.
A macro is used to record and repeat tasks that can be automated in a spreadsheet. They are not just used to clear or reset data.
Teacher tip
This lesson contains downloadable spreadsheet files that pupils will need for the lesson. You could download these files prior to the lesson and make available to pupils on your school's shared drive or cloud storage area.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with spreadsheet software. Examples in this lesson use Google Sheets https://oak.link/google-sheets
Files needed for this lesson
RSC competition 50.83 KB (XLSX)
RSC live show event 87.04 KB (XLSM)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is one way charts improve data presentation?
Q2.Which chart is best for showing changes over time?
Q3.What is the purpose of a legend in a chart?
Q4.What is an axis used for in a chart?
Q5.Arrange the steps to create a chart:
Q6.Match the terms with their definitions:
describes the chart’s purpose
helps you read values accurately
shows parts of a whole
compares data across categories
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a spreadsheet model?
Q2.Why are spreadsheet models important for real-world scenarios?
Q3.What is a recorded set of steps in a spreadsheet that can be repeated automatically?
Q4.Match the following examples with their purposes:
macro
spreadsheet model
formula
chart
Q5.How can a macro be assigned for easy access?
Q6.Which of the following statements about macros is incorrect?
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Improving a spreadsheet model, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Improving a spreadsheet model, 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 4 computing lessons from the Spreadsheets unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.