Introduction+to+Using+Excel+Formulas

//Broad Objective:// The power of spreadsheet software lies primarily in its ability to apply mathematical formulas to data. Using formulas is vital to effectively leverage the power that spreadsheets provide.
 * Objectives:**

//Specific Objectives:// By the end of this lesson, students will be able to with a minimum of 70% accuracy:
 * 1) Enter simple custom formulas into the formula bar.
 * 2) Use the SUM and AVERAGE functions.
 * 3) Compute averages and sums on real-world datasets.

1. What is the formula bar? 2. What character is used to get Excel to recognize the start of a formula or function? 3. What must be supplied to the SUM and AVERAGE functions to get the desired results? 4. What can a series of averages tell us about a dataset?
 * Essential Questions:**


 * //Connections & Content Standards://**

Students have learned the basics of spreadsheet entry and formatting. It is now time to extend these skills to include knowledge of basic data manipulation.
 * Context:**

MS Excel computer projector printer Performing with Computer Applications (Blanc, 2005)
 * Materials:**

Spreadsheets can automatically perform calculations on values. You can create your own formulas or use built-in functions.
 * Procedure:**
 * 1) INTRODUCTION

Formulas are entered into the formula bar.
 * 1) PRESENTATION [Using the projector]
 * Note the “Paste Function” button

Entering the formula
 * 1) Begin any formula with the “=” sign
 * 2) You can type in a cell name or click on it once the “=” sign has been entered to insert a specific cell into a formula.
 * 3) The basic operators are + - * /
 * 4) Demonstrate 25 (+, -, *, /) 5
 * 5) Demonstrate 27 (+, -, *, /) 3

Insert a function
 * 1) Use the paste function button
 * 2) Select “SUM”
 * 3) Enter the SUM’s range using the popup dialog
 * 4) Repeat the same procedure using the AVERAGE function.
 * 5) Demonstrate the use of SUM and AVERAGE on some columns of numbers. The numbers can be the students’ ages or how many words a minute they can type. I will obtain these numbers by going around the room and asking.

To practice the demonstrated skills, students will complete the following exercises in the computer applications text:
 * 1) APPLICATION
 * Unit 4, Lesson 2, Exercise 9 (pg. 365)
 * Unit 4, Lesson 2, Exercise 10 (pg. 367)
 * Unit 4, Lesson 2, Exercise 12 (pg. 371)
 * Unit 4, Lesson 2, Exercise 13 (pg. 373)

Students will print the exercises when finished and submit them via the inbox.

Informal formative assessment will take place after the initial demonstration. A formal formative assessment will come during the grading of the printed spreadsheets. A short quiz over the day’s topics will be given the next class period. A summative assessment will be given for the concepts on an Excel exam that will include problems similar to those assigned.
 * 1) ASSESSMENT

Extra individual instructional time will be given to one of the IEP students in this class. Particular attention will be given to the explanation of averages and ranges.
 * IEP Modifications:**

This lesson went well. The example problems proved adequate so that most of the class was able to complete the exercises with minimum help, although I need to explain the concept of a range better from the start. I ended up drawing a diagram on the board that seemed to concrete the concept of a range of cells. I’ll incorporate that into this lesson initially next time.
 * Reflection/Refinement:**