I remember learning how to use Excel Spreadsheets in high school, but it has been a long time and I never actually used it after the class. Using Google spreadsheets was similar to Excel, but it took me a while to remember how to do things. Entering data and moving around the cells was easy, but it was hard for me to figure out how to make formulas. I think I'm still slightly confused...but I will get it with practice! I also like how the data can be turned into charts and graphs. Visuals are helpful and can be great to use in a classroom!
I looked at the two lesson plans for Elementary, and though part of me worries that the spreadsheets might be too complicated for elementary-age children to use themselves, I think it is a great resource and visual for the teacher to use, as well as a great way to introduce the scientific method! I would love to do something similar in my classroom--having the children take data (possibly a survey like in the first lesson plan), and then turn that date into information and organize it in a spreadsheet. You could also use a spreadsheet and the graphs in math lessons to demonstrate probability or fractions.
I agree with you that the lessons probably would be difficult for students to use in the primary grades - although you might handle the spreadsheet part to allow them to see how the data could be manipulated into graphs, charts etc. - without them actually having to do it. Intermediate grade students might be able to handle it better than you might think. Some are pretty savvy. Anyway, nice review of spreadsheets and the lesson plan.
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