MS Excel Lesson Plan

Objective: SWBAT

Review Quiz and Introduction to Using MS Excel to Create a Gradebook System

A. Condition:Given a set of instructions and examples related to using Microsoft Excel, including demonstrations of basic Excel functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, and conditional formatting, and diagrams showing how cells, rows, and columns are used to organize data.

B. Behavior:Students will be able to create a basic gradebook system in Microsoft Excel by organizing student data, applying formulas to calculate totals and averages, and using conditional formatting to highlight student performance. They will also explain the steps they followed and the functions used to build the gradebook.

C. Measure:Students will complete a quiz with multiple-choice and short-answer questions on Excel functions and participate in a hands-on activity where they create a gradebook in Excel. Their understanding will be assessed based on the accuracy of their gradebook, their ability to explain the Excel formulas used, and their participation in the class discussion.

Language Objective:Students will use key vocabulary such as cell, row, column, formula, function, conditional formatting, and spreadsheet in their explanations. They will practice constructing clear and coherent sentences to describe how Excel functions can be used to manage data in a gradebook.

Instruction:

• Prompt:

  Class discussion and review of Excel terminology and functions. Students will contribute insights and ask questions about Excel’s usage in creating a gradebook. They will take a moment to reflect on what they’ve learned, write down their thoughts, and upload responses to Google Classroom.

• Anticipatory Set:

  Students will share their current understanding of Excel and how they think it can be used to track grades and performance. They will also share any questions or challenges they have encountered using Excel.

Teacher Instruction, Guided Practice & Model:

• Begin by introducing key Excel vocabulary: cell, row, column, SUM, AVERAGE, and conditional formatting and their roles in creating a gradebook.

• Use a demonstration to show how to input student names, assignments, and grades into Excel.

• Explain how to use basic formulas such as SUM and AVERAGE to calculate total points and averages.

• Demonstrate how to apply conditional formatting to highlight specific ranges (e.g., students with grades above 90% or below 60%).

• Provide clear instructions for group activities where students will apply these skills in creating their own gradebooks.

Small Group/Centers/Independent Practice:

• In small groups, students will collaborate to create a sample gradebook in Excel, entering mock student data and calculating averages.

• Students will use conditional formatting to identify high and low-performing students within their gradebook.

• Each group will present their gradebook, explaining the formulas they used and how they applied conditional formatting.

Higher-Order Thinking Questions:

1. How can using Excel to create a gradebook make it easier to track and analyze student performance compared to doing it manually?

2. What are the benefits of using conditional formatting in Excel when managing a large set of data such as student grades?

Plan for Paraprofessionals:

• Assist students in understanding Excel functions and how to input formulas.

• Encourage student participation in group discussions and activities, making sure all students understand how to organize and format data in Excel.

• Use visual aids (e.g., charts, screenshots) to help students visualize how Excel works in real-time.

• Collaborate with the main teacher to ensure all students meet the learning objectives.

Homework:

• Complete an individual Excel gradebook assignment at home, entering a set of grades and calculating the averages using formulas.

• Write a short reflection on the advantages of using Excel for tracking student performance and submit it to Google Classroom.

Distant Learning Tools:

• Google Classroom:

  Students will submit their Excel gradebook assignments and reflections on Google Classroom.

• Code.org or other online tools:

  Practice using basic formulas in simulated environments or online Excel tutorials.

Assigned as Classwork/Homework:

• Class: Participate in the group activity to create an Excel gradebook and use conditional formatting.

• Homework: Finish creating the Excel gradebook and submit it to Google Classroom. Write and submit the reflection on Excel’s use for grade management.