Formatting a spreadsheet
I can identify cells in a spreadsheet and how the data has been formatted.
Formatting a spreadsheet
I can identify cells in a spreadsheet and how the data has been formatted.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An individual item of data is recorded in a spreadsheet cell.
- Cell references combine the column letter and row number to individually identify every cell in a spreadsheet.
- Data formats are applied to cells of a spreadsheet so that it is clear what the data entered represents.
Keywords
Cell - a rectangular box in a spreadsheet used to store data
Data format - the way in which data is arranged and presented in a spreadsheet
Common misconception
Spreadsheet software is so good now that you don't need to spend time formatting cells for the expected data as it will do it automatically.
Spreadsheet software can help, but you still need to format cells correctly to make sure the data will be displayed in the exact way you need it to be. Software doesn't always get this right.
To help you plan your year 6 computing lesson on: Formatting a spreadsheet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 computing lesson on: Formatting a spreadsheet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Introduction to spreadsheets unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to spreadsheet software.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
organises data in rows and columns
a line of data in a table that runs from left to right
a group of data in a table that runs from top to bottom
facts and figures in their raw form