Sorting and searching data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use spreadsheet tools to sort and search data to find and analyse information.
Key learning points
- Data can be sorted in ascending or descending order.
- Filters can be applied to hide data that is not needed for a purpose.
- A sort or filter can be applied to a data set to make it easier to analyse or visualise information.
- A function is a predefined formula in a spreadsheet that can help with calculations.
Keywords
Sort - arranging data into a meaningful order
Filter - given criteria used to show a subset of a data set
Function - a predefined formula that performs a calculation
Common misconception
When a filter is applied to a data set the data that is filtered is removed permanently.
A filter can be applied to data to remove selected data from a data set. However, this data is not permanently removed, if the filter is taken off the data will still be there.
Teacher tip
The file available for this lesson is based on data from a previous Olympic Games. The data set can be easily changed if you feel pupils in your school would relate better to a different example.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with spreadsheet software. Examples in this lesson use Google Sheets https://oak.link/google-sheets
File needed for this lesson
Olympic medal data 215.07 KB (XLSX)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What symbol must you use at the beginning of a cell when you want to use a function or a formula in that cell?
Q2.Name the function that tells you the highest value in a range of cells.
Q3.Name the function that tells you the lowest value in a range of cells.
Q4.Name the function that tells you the number of non-blank cells.
Q5.Give the cell range for the first 10 cells of column B.
Q6.Give the cell range for all of the cells in column A.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Applying a to data arranges it into a different order.
Q2.When a filter is applied to a data set the data that is filtered is removed permanently.
Q3.Match the function to its description.
returns the lowest value in a range of cells
returns the highest value in a range of cells
returns the total value of a range of cells
returns the total number of non-empty cells in a range of cells
returns the total number of cells that meet set criteria
returns different things depending on a criterion
Q4.What is the function that adds up all the values in a selected range and then divides by how many items there are in the range?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Sorting and searching data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Sorting and searching data, 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 3 computing lessons from the Data modelling unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.