Spreadsheets and Presentations
Introduction to Spreadsheets; Working with a Spreadsheet; Introduction to Presentations; Creating and Presenting Slides
On this page7 sections
- 01Learning Objectives
- 02Introduction to Spreadsheets
- 03Working with a Spreadsheet
- 04Introduction to Presentations
- 05Creating and Presenting Slides
- 06Practical Work
- 07Scenario-Based Questions
Learning Objectives
- Describe a spreadsheet and its main parts.
- Enter data, formulas and functions in a spreadsheet.
- Describe a presentation and the parts of the presentation window.
- Create and present a short slide show.
Introduction to Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet is a program used to arrange numbers and text in rows and columns and to perform calculations quickly. It is used for accounts, marks, budgets and record keeping. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are common examples.
A spreadsheet file is called a workbook, and it contains one or more sheets called worksheets. The point where a row and a column meet is a cell, and each cell has an address such as A1 or B5. A row runs across the sheet and is named by a number, while a column runs down the sheet and is named by a letter.
Working with a Spreadsheet
Data is typed into cells, and the active cell is the one selected. To calculate, a formula begins with the equals sign, such as =A1+A2. A function is a ready made formula, such as =SUM(A1:A10) to add a range of numbers or =AVERAGE(A1:A10) to find the mean.
A chart turns numbers into a picture, such as a bar chart or a pie chart, which makes the data easier to understand. Charts are inserted from the Insert menu, and the chart type is chosen to suit the data.
Introduction to Presentations
A presentation is a slide show used to present information to an audience. Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides are common examples. A presentation is made of slides, and the first slide usually holds the title and the presenter's name.
The presentation window has a slide pane that shows the slides in order, a editing area for the current slide, a ribbon of tools and a status bar. A slide master controls the layout and style of every slide, and a template gives a ready made design.
Creating and Presenting Slides
To create slides, add a title and bullet points, then insert pictures, shapes or charts where they help. Keep text short, use a clear font and use one idea per slide. New slides can be added and moved, and content can be resized or deleted.
To present, use Slide Show mode, move forward with the arrow keys and speak clearly to the audience. Save the presentation often, and export it or print it as handouts when needed.
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Workbook | The spreadsheet file |
| Worksheet | One sheet inside the workbook |
| Cell | The point where a row and column meet |
| Row | A line of cells across the sheet, named by a number |
| Column | A line of cells down the sheet, named by a letter |
| Formula | A calculation that begins with the equals sign |
| Function | What it does |
|---|---|
| SUM | Adds a range of numbers |
| AVERAGE | Finds the mean of a range |
| MAX | Finds the largest number |
| MIN | Finds the smallest number |
| Part of the window | What it does |
|---|---|
| Slide pane | Shows the slides in order |
| Editing area | Shows the current slide being worked on |
| Ribbon | Holds the tools and commands |
| Slide master | Controls the layout and style of every slide |
Practical Work
- Open a spreadsheet and enter the marks of five pupils in a column, then use SUM and AVERAGE to find the total and the mean.
- Insert a bar chart from the marks and give it a title.
- Open a presentation program and create three slides: a title slide, a slide with bullet points and a closing slide.
- Add one picture to a slide and run the slide show.
Scenario-Based Questions
- A teacher wants to record the marks of forty pupils and find the average. Explain why a spreadsheet is better than a paper exercise book for this task.
- A pupil types 45 into cell A1 and 55 into A2, then wants the total in A3. Write the formula the pupil should type.
- A school wants to show how many pupils chose each of four clubs. Which chart type is best, and why?
- A presenter puts a long paragraph on one slide. Explain two ways to make the slide easier to read.
- Explain the difference between a workbook and a worksheet.
- Explain how a chart helps a user understand spreadsheet data.
- Describe the steps to add a new slide and save a presentation.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON PUPILS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
| Cognitive | i. Describe a spreadsheet and its main parts. ii. Enter data, formulas and functions in a spreadsheet. iii. Describe a presentation and the parts of the presentation window. iv. Create and present a short slide show. |
| Affective | i. Appreciate the value of Spreadsheets and Presentations in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly. |
| Psychomotor | i. Open a spreadsheet and enter the marks of five pupils in a column, then use SUM and AVERAGE to find the total and the mean. ii. Insert a bar chart from the marks and give it a title. iii. Open a presentation program and create three slides: a title slide, a slide with bullet points and a closing slide. iv. Add one picture to a slide and run the slide show. |
Rationale: A spreadsheet is a program used to arrange numbers and text in rows and columns and to perform calculations quickly. Understanding introduction to Spreadsheets, working with a Spreadsheet, introduction to Presentations, creating and Presenting Slides helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.
Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 9, learners studied Data, Information and Data Protection, including data and Information, sources of Data, how Information is Produced. The knowledge from that week is used again in this lesson.
Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Spreadsheets and Presentations, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.
Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 2); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 2 First Term Notes (Week 10); First Term examination and Continuous Assessment question papers.
LESSON DEVELOPMENT
| Stage/Step (Time) | Teacher's Activities | Student's Activities | Learning Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction 5 MINUTES | Welcomes learners, revises Week 9 (Data, Information and Data Protection) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Spreadsheets and Presentations. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board. | Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Spreadsheets and Presentations. | Connecting prior knowledge to Spreadsheets and Presentations. |
| Step 1 6 MINUTES | Covers Introduction to Spreadsheets: A spreadsheet is a program used to arrange numbers and text in rows and columns and to perform calculations quickly. It is used for accounts, marks, budgets and record keeping. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are common examples. | Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Introduction to Spreadsheets". | Understanding: Introduction to Spreadsheets. |
| Step 2 6 MINUTES | Covers Working with a Spreadsheet: Data is typed into cells, and the active cell is the one selected. To calculate, a formula begins with the equals sign, such as =A1+A2. A function is a ready made formula, such as =SUM(A1:A10) to add a range of numbers or =AVERAGE(A1:A10) to find the mean. | Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Working with a Spreadsheet". | Understanding: Working with a Spreadsheet. |
| Step 3 6 MINUTES | Covers Introduction to Presentations: A presentation is a slide show used to present information to an audience. Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides are common examples. A presentation is made of slides, and the first slide usually holds the title and the presenter's name. | Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Introduction to Presentations" to the class. | Understanding: Introduction to Presentations. |
| Step 4 6 MINUTES | Covers Creating and Presenting Slides: To create slides, add a title and bullet points, then insert pictures, shapes or charts where they help. Keep text short, use a clear font and use one idea per slide. New slides can be added and moved, and content can be resized or deleted. | Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Creating and Presenting Slides". | Understanding: Creating and Presenting Slides. |
| Practical Work 6 MINUTES | Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Open a spreadsheet and enter the marks of five pupils in a column, then use SUM and AVERAGE to find the total and the mean. (ii) Insert a bar chart from the marks and give it a title. (iii) Open a presentation program and create three slides: a title slide, a slide with bullet points and a closing slide. Moves round the class to check progress and correct unsafe or careless use. | Carry out the practical tasks individually or in pairs and record what they did in their notebooks. | Applying the lesson through hands-on practice. |
| Evaluation 3 MINUTES | Asks learners to: i. Describe a spreadsheet and its main parts. ii. Enter data, formulas and functions in a spreadsheet. iii. Describe a presentation and the parts of the presentation window. iv. Create and present a short slide show. | Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions. | Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content. |
| Conclusion 2 MINUTES | Recaps the main points: introduction to Spreadsheets, working with a Spreadsheet, introduction to Presentations, creating and Presenting Slides. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 11: Revision. | Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment. | Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson. |
Assignment: i. A teacher wants to record the marks of forty pupils and find the average. Explain why a spreadsheet is better than a paper exercise book for this task. ii. A pupil types 45 into cell A1 and 55 into A2, then wants the total in A3. Write the formula the pupil should type.
On this page9 sections
- 01Lesson objectives
- 02Key vocabulary
- 03Common misconceptions
- 04Teacher activities
- 05Student activities
- 06Practical / learning evidence
- 07Resources and preparation
- 08Assessment for learning
- 09Inclusion and homework
Lesson objectives
By the end of the week, learners should be able to:
- Convert a list of prices into a column of total costs with multiplication.
- Use a SUM or AutoSum function on a column of totals.
- Add a chart to the spreadsheet showing monthly totals.
- Apply borders, shading and fill to selected cells.
- Save both the workbook and an exported PDF version.
Key vocabulary
- Multiplication: the arithmetic operation of scaling one number by another.
- AutoSum: a function that adds a selected range automatically.
- Chart: a visual representation of numeric data.
- Border: a line drawn around selected cells.
- Shading: the background fill applied to selected cells.
- Fill: the colour background of a selected region.
- Export: saving a copy in another format.
Common misconceptions
- "Spreadsheets skip multiplication when totals look right." Totals must be verified manually if functions misbehave.
- "Adding a chart changes the underlying data." A chart is a view of existing data; it does not alter values.
- "Borders and shading are optional formatting." Formatting improves readability and professionalism significantly.
Teacher activities
- Starter: show two columns, one calculated manually and one calculated by a formula; ask which a teacher prefers.
- Demonstrate converting a price list to total-costs with multiplication.
- Show the SUM function and place an AutoSum at the bottom of the totals column.
- Add a chart to the totals and compare it with the raw numbers visually.
- Demonstrate borders, shading and fill on selected cells.
- Run the export task and close with the save routine.
Student activities
- Pick the teacher-preferred column from the starter and explain the reason.
- Convert a price list to total costs with multiplication.
- Apply the SUM function and place AutoSum on the totals column.
- Add a chart to the totals and describe what it shows.
- Apply borders, shading and fill to selected cells.
- Save the workbook and export an equivalent PDF.
Practical / learning evidence
A workbook with prices, multiplication totals, a SUM function, an AutoSum, a chart and formatted cells, plus both the DOCX and PDF saved. Inspect the reopened workbook independently.
Resources and preparation
Computers with Excel or Calc, sample price data and a chart template. Check that charts render reliably and that PDF export completes quickly. Disable Caps Lock before drills.
Assessment for learning
Inspect the workbook for correct totals, a chart reflecting the data and matching DOCX-PDF files. Ask two learners to run the SUM and AutoSum routines without prompts. Watch for wrong totals and correct them live.
Inclusion and homework
Prebuild the prices and totals so learners focus on multiplication and functions. Provide a preformatted template for learners who need scaffolding. Extend confident learners with a pivot-style summary or a second chart type.