JSS 2 First Term

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.

Practical Work

1. 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.
2. Insert a bar chart from the marks and give it a title.
3. Open a presentation program and create three slides: a title slide, a slide with bullet points and a closing slide.
4. Add one picture to a slide and run the slide show.

Scenario-Based Questions

1. 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.
2. A pupil types 45 into cell A1 and 55 into A2, then wants the total in A3. Write the formula the pupil should type.
3. A school wants to show how many pupils chose each of four clubs. Which chart type is best, and why?
4. A presenter puts a long paragraph on one slide. Explain two ways to make the slide easier to read.
5. Explain the difference between a workbook and a worksheet.
6. Explain how a chart helps a user understand spreadsheet data.
7. Describe the steps to add a new slide and save a presentation.