Activity 8: Integrating spreadsheets with learning

The purpose of this activity is for you to design and teach a lesson that includes the use of spreadsheets. It is possible that you do not teach a subject that lends itself to the use of spreadsheets in teaching. Discuss this with your tutor before doing the alternative activity. Before continuing with this activity we recommend that you read some of the following lesson plans and ideas about how spreadsheets can be used in class. Use this as a source of ideas.

• Ideas for using spreadsheets in lessons
• Lessons involving spreadsheets (Grade 6 - 8)
• Lesson on Father Christmas's  Elf
• Lesson on Polygons
• Lesson on Circles
• Lesson on Weather

If you are a serious spreadsheet user and involved with Maths or Science teaching, we recommend that you

• read some of these online articles on the use of spreadsheets in Math teaching

Numeric competency is a fundamental skill, and 'analysing data' is a critical cross-field for all fields of learning. Building numeric skills is as important as building reading and literacy skills - most learning areas should be able to integrate spreadsheets and numeric skills. 

Group Activity 8

1. Design a lesson that includes the use of spreadsheets in some way. The lesson must not be about spreadsheets, but must include the use of the spreadsheet as a tool. Use the lesson plan template. If you do not teach a subject that lends itself to the use of the spreadsheet, approach a colleague who teaches a subject in which the spreadsheet can be used as a teaching tool. Discuss your need to plan a lesson that includes the use of a spreadsheet. 
2. Share your lesson idea with the group by sending your lesson plan template as an attachment in a message to the group(using the subject heading "Lesson_plan_draft"). Respond to at least two members of your group by replying to their message giving some constructive feedback about their lesson ideas.
3. Make changes to your lesson plan according to feedback from the group.
4. Teach the lesson, or observe your colleague teaching a lesson.
   
5. Provide feedback to your group after you have taught/observed the lesson. Send a message to the group(using the subject heading "Lesson reflection ") and write about the successes and failures of your lesson experience with the spreadsheet. Respond to at least two members of your group by replying to their messages giving some constructive feedback about their lesson experience.