JSS 2 First Term

Lesson objectives

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

1. Convert a list of prices into a column of total costs with multiplication.
2. Use a SUM or AutoSum function on a column of totals.
3. Add a chart to the spreadsheet showing monthly totals.
4. Apply borders, shading and fill to selected cells.
5. 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

1. Starter: show two columns, one calculated manually and one calculated by a formula; ask which a teacher prefers.
2. Demonstrate converting a price list to total-costs with multiplication.
3. Show the SUM function and place an AutoSum at the bottom of the totals column.
4. Add a chart to the totals and compare it with the raw numbers visually.
5. Demonstrate borders, shading and fill on selected cells.
6. Run the export task and close with the save routine.

Student activities

1. Pick the teacher-preferred column from the starter and explain the reason.
2. Convert a price list to total costs with multiplication.
3. Apply the SUM function and place AutoSum on the totals column.
4. Add a chart to the totals and describe what it shows.
5. Apply borders, shading and fill to selected cells.
6. 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.