Visualising data using charts in a spreadsheet
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create and customise charts to present data effectively.
Key learning points
- Charts are used to show data in a visual format.
- Charts make it easier to compare values, identify patterns or understand trends.
- Different types of charts are suitable for different purposes.
- Charts can be created and formatted in a spreadsheet to present information clearly and effectively.
Keywords
Chart - a graphical representation of data
Data - facts and figures in their raw form
Common misconception
The type of chart you select doesn't matter, all charts will represent data effectively.
Different types of chart present different types of data effectively. For example, a pie chart is used to represent data that makes up a whole part or 100%.
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 ion 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 charts solution 22.21 KB (XLSX)
RSC charts 8.45 KB (XLSX)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Write the formula to calculate the average of the values in cells A1 to A5.
Q2.What is the purpose of the VLOOKUP function?
Q3.What does the IF function do in spreadsheets?
Q4.What is the role of a function in spreadsheets?
Q5.What is a key benefit of using functions in spreadsheets?
Q6.What spreadsheet feature changes the appearance of cells based on rules?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of a chart?
Q2.Which chart is best for showing parts of a whole?
Q3.What type of chart is best for showing trends over time?
Q4.What is the best chart for comparing multiple categories?
Q5.Match the following examples with the correct chart type:
bar chart
line chart
pie chart
Q6.Arrange the steps to create a chart into the correct order:
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Visualising data using charts in a spreadsheet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Visualising data using charts 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 4 computing lessons from the Spreadsheets unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.