Session 1

• Computing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Understanding the Power of Spreadsheets

Session 1

Introduction

• In this unit you will learn about what spreadsheets are and how they are used in education and business.

• You will develop a good understanding of the tools and techniques used to create efficient spreadsheet solutions.

Today's objectives

• Know what a spreadsheet is and why they are used
• Be able to start entering simple data into a spreadsheet
• Use simple formulae to perform a few calculations. 

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What do you already know about spreadsheets?

Why do you think an organisation would use a spreadsheet?

Why do you think it's important to learn about spreadsheets?

Transferable Skill

Spreadsheet proficiency is highly valued in many professions, such as finance, marketing, education, and engineering. Learning spreadsheets early equips individuals with a universally applicable skill, improving their employability and adaptability in the job market.

Reasons for using a spreadsheet

• Improves productivity and accuracy
• Supports decision making
• Presents information clearly and effectively
• Performs calculations
• Helps with analysing data
• Manipulates large data sets

What do I mean by analyse?

What activities would you use a spreadsheet for?

Activities where they can be used

• Cost modelling - to predict what will happen to profits if they raise their prices
• Analysis of large data sets - scientific experiments
• Tracking progress and recording results - learner progress
• Creating timetables and results - fixture lists for sports clubs
• Stock control - number of items in stock have decreased and need to be re-ordered

Small Shop Stock Control

GOOGLE SHEETS ACTIVITY

The orange traffic light means that students can ask questions during this activity

Now have a go at identifying some of the features you have just used in the Shop Stock Control Activity

Features Used in the Shop Stock Control

The main feature of a spreadsheet is its capacity to perform complex sets of calculations along with its ability to convert the numeric data into graphical formats.

• Formulas & Functions: Automate calculations like SUM, AVERAGE, and IF statements 
• Cell Referencing: Use absolute and relative cell references to create dynamic calculations
• Data Validation: Ensure data integrity by restricting input types (e.g., dates, currencies)
• Conditional Formatting: Highlight cells that exceed budget limits to quickly identify overspending.
• Charts & Graphs: Visualise spending patterns and compare budget vs. actual expenses

What is a spreadsheet?

1. Software program used for word processing
2. Digital tool used to organise, analyse and store data in tabular form
3. Graphic design software
4. Web browser feature

Which of the following is an example of spreadsheet software?

1. Microsoft Word
2. Adobe Photoshop
3. Google Sheets
4. Mozilla Firefox

In a spreadsheet, what is a cell?

1. Group of text in a paragraph
2. Intersection of a row and a column
3. Button on the toolbar
4. File storage location

What is the formula to add the values in cells B1, B2 and B3?

1. =ADD(B1+B2+B3)
2. =SUM(B1:B3)
3. =B1+B2+B3
4. Both B and C

What does a formula always begin with in a spreadsheet?

1. Letter
2. Number
3. Equal Sign (=)
4. Hashtag (#)

A spreadsheet cell can only contain text?

1. TRUE
2. FALSE

Conclusion

• Spreadsheets are versatile tools for a wide range of activities
• Understanding and utilising spreadsheet features can greatly enhance productivity and accuracy in tasks like budgeting and project management

SUMMARY

In this lesson, you...	Next lesson, you will...	Homework
Learnt about the uses of spreadsheets Produced a spreadsheet of your own using some key features	Learn more about the uses of spreadsheets Learn and use some further key features	Give 3 reasons why a business might use spreadsheets