1 - Welcome and Warm-up
Warm-up (30 seconds): Think about your Something Real project from Lesson 1. What numbers will you need to track? (costs, dates, quantities, people?)
This lesson teaches you how spreadsheets are organised and how to enter data accurately for your project budget or timeline.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Create a spreadsheet and enter numeric and character data
- Understand cells, references, data types and navigation
- Enter real project data for your Something Real budget or log
- Avoid common data entry errors
2 - Key Concepts
Spreadsheet basics
- Cell: One box where you enter data (like A1, B2)
- Row: Horizontal line of cells (numbered 1, 2, 3...)
- Column: Vertical line of cells (lettered A, B, C...)
- Sheet: One page/tab in your spreadsheet file (Sheet1, Sheet2)
- Cell reference: Column letter + row number (A1 is column A, row 1)
Why this matters
Every cell has a unique address like a mailbox. When you add formulas later, you'll tell them which cells to use.
3 - Explore Spreadsheet Structure
Follow these steps to explore how spreadsheets are organised and practice basic navigation and data entry.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Step-by-Step Tutorial activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students follow step-by-step instructions on their devices. Instructions are tailored for their platform (Windows/Mac/Chromebook) and application (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Display the tutorial on the whiteboard while students follow along on their devices. Switch between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace tabs as needed for your classroom setup.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
4 - Sample Budget Table (guided)
Follow this complete example of a budget table before creating your own. Notice how we mix text and numbers across rows and columns.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Step-by-Step Tutorial activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students follow step-by-step instructions on their devices. Instructions are tailored for their platform (Windows/Mac/Chromebook) and application (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Display the tutorial on the whiteboard while students follow along on their devices. Switch between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace tabs as needed for your classroom setup.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
5 - Common Issues & Navigation Practice
Practice fixes for common problems you'll see when entering data.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Step-by-Step Tutorial activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students follow step-by-step instructions on their devices. Instructions are tailored for their platform (Windows/Mac/Chromebook) and application (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Display the tutorial on the whiteboard while students follow along on their devices. Switch between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace tabs as needed for your classroom setup.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
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