Integrating Spreadsheets in the Classroom

Tutorials and Guidelines

Assessment

Charting and Graphing Ideas

Lesson Plan Ideas

All Grades

Elementary Grades Middle School Sites High School Sites

Tools

Real Time Data

Spreadsheets lend themselves to the use of real time data. One of the best attributes that the Internet provides for students is access to current data that they wouldn't be able to get from any other source. Real time data is dynamic changing information such as weather conditions, current news stories, stock market prices, census data, or volcano and earthquake conditions. Textbooks and many publications contain information that students can use, but it can be outdated as soon as it is printed. Scientists and other groups and organizations are now posting information on the Internet that can be used in a spreadsheet program by students to analyze and evaluate data. Used effectively, these sites allow students to become actively involved in their learning and assume the role of researchers exploring trends and correlations and creating their own connections. During this lesson you will explore some real time data sites that you could use as a the data source for spreadsheet activities.

WebQuests

Spreadsheets can be used with students for higher level thinking activities that involve problem solving. An excellent Internet resource that can involve spreadsheets is a WebQuest. WebQuests are inquiry-based learning activities that use real world tasks and promote critical-thinking in students. In these activities most data comes from the Internet and students will use the spreadsheet as a tool to analyze information and solve a problem.


Resources
Learning to Use Excel in the  Classroom Handout
Ideas for Using Excel in the Classroom
Excel Examples
Excel Basics Handout