Year 5 Introduction to Spreadsheets

About this unit:

During these lessons, children are introduced to spreadsheets for the first time.
They find out how information is entered into a spreadsheet and how formulae
can be used to calculate totals. Later on they learn how to generate graphs and
plan their own spreadsheets. Teachers can choose to use RMNumber Magic or
Microsoft Excel when teaching this unit. There are a number of prepared
spreadsheets that need to be saved into the RMShared Documents area for
children to access.

National Curriculum Programmes of study: Reviewing, modifying and evaluating work as it progresses
Finding things out
4a) review what they and others have done to help them develop their
1b) how to prepare information for development using ICT
ideas
Developing ideas and making things happen
4b) describe and talk about the effectiveness of their work with ICT,
2a) how to develop and refine ideas by bringing together, organising and
comparing it with other methods
reorganising text and tables

Independent ICT Challenge

Your challenge is to find out if you have a healthy or unhealthy diet

Previous learning: Resources you will need:

This will probably be the first time children have used RMNumber Magic or Microsoft Excel
spreadsheets. Y5 Spreadsheets resources folder
Flipchart - y5 spreadsheets.flp

2006
 Year 5 Introduction to Spreadsheets

Record of progress Expectations

Write names in the appropriate boxes to show attainment, with jottings on children whose What children know, understand and can do (based on ITASS scheme of work)
attainment differs markedly from the rest of their group.
some children will not have made so much progress and will:

know the computer can be used to help answer specific question

enter text and numbers in a spreadsheet
change some of the data and discuss effect on results with assistance

most children will: enter text and numbers in a spreadsheet

enter a formula to perform a calculation
use SUM function
change some of the data and discuss effect on results
create a graph from the data entered and explain results
know that spreadsheets can be used for mathematical calculations and that
recalculations with different values can be done quickly
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using spreadsheets for
calculations against the use of manual methods
some children will have progressed further and will:

select relevant data for graph

select appropriate graph for the data
explore further functions
know how a spreadsheet is used and discover more about how they are used
outside school

Working toward Level 4

2006
 Year 5 Introduction to Spreadsheets
Cross Curricular Success
Lesson Title ICT NC Links Objectives Vocabulary
Links Criteria
1 Cell references 2a) develop and refine ideas by Identify some parts of a spreadsheet, cell, Mathematics strand Solve puzzles
bringing together, organising and spreadsheet. cell reference, Using & applying involving cell
reorganising text and tables Identify cell references. Mathematics strand - references in
Handling Data spreadsheets.
2 Work it out 1b) how to prepare information for Spreadsheets can be formula As above Solve problems
development using ICT used to store numerical using a
4b) describe and talk about the data and to make addition spreadsheet.
effectiveness of their work with calculations.
ICT, comparing it with other Recalculations with
methods different values can be
done quickly.
3 Work it out As above Enter a formula to formula As above Use the correct
yourself! calculate totals formula to
Enter numerical data into calculate
cells problems.
4 Graphs 2a) develop and refine ideas by Graphs and charts can be graph As above Create, edit and
bringing together, organising and created and easily be copy graphs using
reorganising text and tables changed from a spreadsheet.
spreadsheet data.
5 Healthy eating 1b) how to prepare information for The SUM function can be SUM As above and To have used the
development using ICT used to create formulas Science QCA Unit 5A SUM function in
2a) develop and refine ideas by that will perform addition Keeping Healthy formulae to add
bringing together, organising and calculations. numerical data up
reorganising text and tables
6 Independent ICT As above and To give children the spreadsheet, cell, As above To have used a
Challenge 4a) review what they and others opportunity to display the cell reference, spreadsheet to
have done to help them develop knowledge skills and formula, graph, interpret data that
their ideas understanding they have SUM they have
4b) describe and talk about the learned during this collected
effectiveness of their work with sequence of lessons.
ICT, comparing it with other
methods

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 1 - Cell references
Spreadsheets

What you need for this lesson:

Spreadsheet files Saved into RMShared Documents area for children to access:- Cell
reference practice; Code breaking; Word Grid; Worksheets: Code Breaking, Cell reference
practice, Word Grid worksheet; Copying a file to Shared documents help guide;
Flipchart y5 spreadsheets.flp

Objectives Success Criteria Vocabulary

Identify some parts of a Solve puzzles involving cell spreadsheet, cell,
spreadsheet. references in spreadsheets. cell reference,
Identify cell references.

Introduction:
Display flipchart p3 showing an image of an enlarged spreadsheet.
Explain that information in a spreadsheet is entered into cells that have references.
Move the characters on the page to different cells and ask what the cell reference is.

Development:
There are three spreadsheet files available to practice cell referencing that should be saved into
the RMShared Documents area (see notes) for children to access. Use any or all of the files as
appropriate to your class. Each file has two Worksheets accessed by clicking the tab at the
bottom of the spreadsheet where pupils can create their own
puzzles for others to solve.

Cell Reference Practice - Children fill cells with colour to make a pattern according
to the cell reference
Code breaking - Letters are arranged in the spreadsheet; children are given the
Code breaking work sheet with cell references on and are challenged to break the
code.
Word grid - Simply a spreadsheet with words in the cells. Children use the Word grid
worksheet to write coded sentences for their partners to decode. Children create their
own coded sentences by writing the cell references

Encourage the children to save files they have been working on.

Plenary:

Open the file the children have been working on and take feedback on cell references
in the different contexts.
If one of the files has not been used, use this now to consolidate the learning.

Differentiation:
Children should work in mixed ability pairs.

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 1 - Cell references
Spreadsheets

Notes
Preparing for the lesson:

Copying a file to Shared Documents help guide has been designed to guide you
though copying the files to the RMShared documents area.
For each file there is both an Excel and Number Magic version.
The advantage of using RMNumber Magic is that the program can be differentiated
to suit pupil need. The formula builder within RMNumber Magic has been designed to
be accessible to primary aged pupils.
The advantage of using Excel is that it is more likely that pupils will have this
software at home. It is an adult piece of software not designed for children but will
almost certainly be used in Secondary school.
The choice of which version to use it up to you.
For this lesson the differences between the software are small. The only real
difference is if you use the Cell reference practice sheet, which requires children to
fill in cells with different colours.

For Excel click on the cell to be filled then click .

For Number Magic click on the cell to be filled then click to choose a colour. A fill
pattern must also be selected.

Extension activities / Homework:

Each spreadsheet file has two Worksheets accessed by clicking the tab at the bottom of the
spreadsheet where pupils can create their own puzzles for
others to solve.

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 2 - Work it out
Spreadsheets

What you need for this lesson:

Packed Lunches spreadsheet file saved into RMShared Documents area for children to
access; Packed Lunch challenge worksheet; Flipchart y5 spreadsheets.flp

Objectives Success Criteria Vocabulary

Spreadsheets can be used to store Solve problems using a spreadsheet. formula
numerical data and to make
addition calculations.
Recalculations with different values
can be done quickly.

Introduction:

Display flipchart p5 showing an image of the Packed Lunches spreadsheet file as

well as embedded links to the spreadsheet.
Explain that the class has been given the task of making a packed lunch shopping list
for an imaginary trip.
Set some calculations for the children to solve from p5 e.g. How much would 5 bottles
of cola cost? How much for 10 apples?
Draw attention to the formula A3*D3 in cell G3.
Explain that the * sign means multiply
Can the children work out what the formulae in cells G4 or G5 would be?
What about cell G11?
Launch the spreadsheet (either from the links on p5 or from RMShared Documents)
Show the formulae in the G column.
Change the values in the A column to show how the spreadsheet instantly
recalculates the totals.

Development:

Give out the Packed Lunch challenge worksheet displayed on flipchart p6.
Demonstrate how to locate the Packed Lunches spreadsheet file from RMShared
Documents.
Set the class the challenges on the sheet.
If appropriate, demonstrate how to use the PrintScrn key to take screen shots of their
spreadsheets (See notes).

Plenary:
Ask pairs to demonstrate the solutions to the problems using the Packed Lunches
file open on the IWB

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 2 - Work it out
Spreadsheets

Notes
Preparing for the lesson:

Copying a file to Shared Documents help guide, has been designed to guide you
though copying the files to the RMShared Documents area.

For each spreadsheet file there is both an Excel and Number Magic version, both
work in exactly the same way for this lesson.

Taking screen shots

A good way for the children to record their work in this lesson is to take screen shots of their
spreadsheet calculations and paste them into a word file. Heres how to do it.

1. Press the Print Scrn key usually located at the top right of the keyboard.

2. Open a new Word document

3. Click Edit then Paste

4. The image can be resized using the square handles at each corner.

Note:-
Thank you to London Borough of Greenwich ICT Team for permission to use their Packed
Lunches spreadsheet as the basis for this lesson.

Extension activities.

Ask the children to change the spreadsheet to reflect items they would want to buy
For the cost of the items, children could access a supermarket website.
Children should then set each other similar challenges to those on the Packed Lunch
challenge worksheet.

2006
2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 3 - Work it out yourself!
Spreadsheets

What you need for this lesson:

Entering formulae spreadsheet file saved into the RMShared Documents area; Entering
formulae worksheet; Flipchart y5 spreadsheets.flp

Objectives Success Criteria Vocabulary

Enter a formula to calculate totals Use the correct formula to carryout formula
Enter numerical data into cells calculations.

Introduction:

Display flipchart p8 showing a demonstration of how to use formulae in spreadsheets

Give out the Entering formulae worksheet displayed on p9
Explain that the children are to be set the challenge of working out the correct formula
to find the totals on the sheet.
Model this by launching the Entering formulae spreadsheet file (either from p9 or
from RMShared Documents)

Development:

Demonstrate how to locate the Entering formulae spreadsheet file from RMShared
Documents
Children complete the Entering formulae worksheet while filling in the correct
formulae into the spreadsheet
Encourage children to save their spreadsheets.

Plenary:

At the IWB, open the Entering formulae spreadsheet and complete parts of the
spreadsheet using the childrens suggestions.

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 4 - Graphs
Spreadsheets

What you need for this lesson:

Height spreadsheet file saved into RMShared Documents area; tape measures; Flipchart y5
spreadsheets.flp

Objectives Success Criteria Vocabulary

Graphs and charts can be created Create, edit and copy graphs using a graph
and easily be changed from spreadsheet.
spreadsheet data.

Introduction:

Demonstrate how to locate the Height spreadsheet file that contains a table and a
graph.
Explain that data from graphs should always be checked for accuracy.
Ask the pupils to look for the inaccurate data in this graph (the 6 year olds height).
Demonstrate changing the value on the table and how this automatically updates on
the graph.
Demonstrate how to create a graph from data in a spreadsheet and copy this into
another file - There are RMNumber Magic and Excel demonstrations on flipchart p11

Development:

Ask the children to record the heights (in cms) of pupils in the class or other classes.
Explain that the children are to record these heights in a spreadsheet and create a
graph of the data.
Ask the children to sort/organise the data to show increasing/decreasing height and
display as graphs.
Are there any inaccuracies or anomalies in the data shown?
What questions can they ask about the data?
Ask the children to save and print their work.

Plenary:

Encourage the class to share their printed graphs.

What information can they find from organising the data in different ways?
What further questions can they ask about the data?

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 5 - Healthy Eating
Spreadsheets

What you need for this lesson:

1 Day Food Groups spreadsheet file saved in the RMShared Documents area; 1 Day Food
GroupTally worksheet; Flipchart y5 spreadsheets.flp

Objectives Success Criteria Vocabulary

The SUM function can be used to To have used the SUM function in SUM
create formulas that will perform formulae to add numerical data up
addition calculations.

Introduction:

Give out copies of the 1 Day Food GroupTally worksheet displayed on flipchart p13 for
children to complete for homework prior to the lesson.
Explain that in this lesson, the children will be learning how to convert their tally sheets into a
spreadsheet that will calculate totals.

Development:

Demonstrate how to locate the prepared 1 Day Food Groups spreadsheet from the
RMShared Documents area
Ask the children to enter their results into the spreadsheet.
Demonstrate how to add numbers in the cells together by repeated additions i.e. H2
=B1+C1+D1+E1+F1 (There are RMNumber Magic and Excel demonstrations of this on
flipchart p14) and allow the children time to do this manually.
Now demonstrate how the SUM formula can be used to quicken the process H2 =sum
(B1:F1) There are RMNumber Magic and Excel demonstrations of this on flipchart p14
Allow children time to use this function in their spreadsheets

Plenary:
Discuss the advantages of using spreadsheets of this kind
What questions can they use this spreadsheet to answer about Healthy and Unhealthy
Eating?

Differentiation:

Less able pupils may feel more secure using the repeated addition method

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 5 - Healthy Eating
Spreadsheets

Notes
Preparing for the lesson:

The cross-curricular subject focus for this lesson is Science QCA Unit 5A - Healthy Eating but
this can be changed if this is not a topic that you are teaching at the time.

The list of ideas found in the Spreadsheet Ideas worksheet provided with this unit might offer a
more suitable cross-curricular focus for your class. In this case, the video demonstrations can
still be used to demonstrate how the numbers in the spreadsheet can be added together.

Extension activities / Homework:

Give the children the 5 Day Food Diary for them to record their eating over a 5 day period in
preparation for their Independent ICT Challenge

2006
 Introduction to
Year 5 Lesson 6 - Independent ICT Challenge
Spreadsheets

What you need for this lesson:

5 day Food Groups spreadsheet file saved in the Shared Documents area; pupils individually
completed 5 Day Food Diary; Spreadsheet Planner worksheet ;Flipchart y5
spreadsheets.flp

Objectives Success Criteria Vocabulary

To give children the opportunity To have used a spreadsheet to spreadsheet, cell,
to display the knowledge skills interpret data that they have cell reference,
and understanding they have collected formula, graph,
learned during this sequence of SUM
lessons.

Introduction:

Display flipchart p16 showing the Independent ICT Challenge

Remind the children of how to copy the 5 day Food Groups spreadsheet from RMShared
Documents area in to their My Documents folder
Explain that the children are to transfer their 5 Day Food Diary data from their tally chart in
to the spreadsheet.
They should use the spreadsheet to determine if they have eaten a healthy diet.
Flipchart p17 has links to RMNumber Magic and Excel versions of the 5 day Food Groups
spreadsheet
They should include the SUM formula in their spreadsheet and graphs
Allow time for children to investigate what their data shows and to identify the questions that
can be asked.
Encourage the children to think about what additional information they might need and how
they might extend the investigation.

Development:

Your challenge is to find out if you have a healthy or unhealthy diet

Plenary:

Give pairs the opportunity to save, print and display their finished working spreadsheets.

Differentiation:

More able pupils could use the Spreadsheet Planner worksheet to plan and create their
own spreadsheet as an alternative to using the ready created 5 day Food Groups
spreadsheet.

2006