Introduction to Spreadsheets

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Identify the main parts of a spreadsheet window, including cells, rows and columns.
2. Create a new blank workbook and enter at least ten rows of data.
3. Format a number cell with currency and date styling.
4. Apply bold, font size and alignment to a header row.
5. Save a workbook under a clear filename.

Key vocabulary

• Spreadsheet: a grid application that stores data in rows and columns.
• Cell: the intersection of a column and a row where a value is entered.
• Row: a horizontal line of cells identified by a row number.
• Column: a vertical group of cells identified by a column letter.
• Header row: the top row containing labels such as dates and names.
• Currency format: a cell style that displays values as money.
• Workbook: a file holding several sheets within one document.

Common misconceptions

• "A spreadsheet is just an adding machine." Spreadsheets also store lists, track inventory and produce charts.
• "Entering text into a cell is enough to use a spreadsheet." Formatting and naming matter for readable output.
• "Every row needs a value in every cell." Empty cells are valid and useful for gaps and formulas later.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: display a single column of numbers and ask learners whether they know how to make this range reusable.
2. Name the spreadsheet parts on a real window: cell, row, column, header, sheet tabs.
3. Model entering ten rows of sample data, including a header and two empty leading rows.
4. Demonstrate currency formatting and date styling on the header row.
5. Show applying bold, larger font and centred alignment to headers.
6. Run the data entry task and close with the save routine.

Student activities

1. Answer the starter and explain why reusing a cell range matters.
2. Name the five spreadsheet parts shown on the projected window.
3. Enter ten rows of sample data with a clear header.
4. Apply currency and date formatting to the header row.
5. Bold the header and centre the names column.
6. Save the workbook with a clear filename and reopen it to confirm.

Practical / learning evidence

A formatted workbook with at least ten rows of data, a numbered header, currency formatting and a saved filename. Inspect the reopened file.

Resources and preparation

Computers with Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc, blank sample data and a clear filename pattern. Disable Caps Lock before drills. Check that the computers start quickly and that no one is mid-edit from the previous lesson.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the reopened workbook for the ten rows, header formatting and correct filename. Ask two learners to run the save routine without prompts. Watch for mismatched header labels and number columns and correct them live.

Inclusion and homework

Give sample data with a header already typed so learners focus on formatting. Provide a prebuilt header template for learners who struggle with layout. Extend confident learners with a second column tracking dates and a simple chart.