Computing

Spreadsheets

Year One
Computing | Year 6 | Spreadsheets | Solving Problems | Lesson 4
 Aim
• I can use a spreadsheet to solve problems.

Success Criteria
• I can create a formula to solve a specific calculation (using figures and cell
references).
• I can replicate formulas over several cells.
• I can check calculations for errors.
• I can interpret data and make comparisons.
 Solving Problems
with Spreadsheets
In this lesson, you will conduct an investigation.

The problem must be

solved using a
spreadsheet.
Can you use your
knowledge and skills
you have learnt so far
to design a spreadsheet
solution to the
problem?

Photo courtesy of The hills are alive* (@flickr.com) - granted under creative commons licence – attribution
 The Solution
How can a spreadsheet
help to solve the
problem?
What are the
advantages, compared to
working with pen, paper
and a calculator?

Repeating a formula multiple times in a spreadsheet is far quicker than

typing each time.
No matter how large, numbers can be calculated quickly and accurately for
any number of weeks.
 Multiple Columns
In order to adjust or format more
than one spreadsheet column at a
time, multiple columns can be
selected.

Why do you think this is useful?

It is much quicker to format all columns together, rather than each one at a time!

When you adjust the column width of one column in a selection, all columns in a selected range are changed in
the same way!
 Merging Cells

Sometimes it may be appropriate

Which cells
for two or have
morebeen
cellsmerged
to be
together here?
‘merged’ together. What do you Which cells have been merged
think this means? together here?
 Try It Yourself

Design your
own spreadsheet
solution to the
Pocket Money
Problem.
 Plenary
Click here Which Option is the best choice: A, B or C?
to view the
Plenary Did anyone answer the questions from the Activity Sheet?
Solutions! Does everyone agree on the solutions?

Option A: How much Option B: How much Option C: How much

weekly Pocket Money weekly Pocket Money weekly Pocket Money
in Week 5 and how in Week 5 and how in Week 5 and how
much so far in total? much so far in total? much so far in total?
 Aim
• I can use a spreadsheet to solve problems.

Success Criteria
• I can create a formula to solve a specific calculation (using figures and cell
references).
• I can replicate formulas over several cells.
• I can check calculations for errors.
• I can interpret data and make comparisons.
 Click
here to
return to
the
Plenary!