1.)Discuss the use of spreadsheets in programs such as Excel.
2.)Open Excel and discuss the cell characteristics and form of information entry.
3.)Merge the first row of 7 cells across for a title bar explaining the differences between rows and columns. (Highlight the cells, then choose "Cells" from the Format menu and click on the "Alignmemt" tab to place a check in the "Merge Cells" box.)
4.)Students then name the list using their own names and "Wish List." Explain how to select font style and how to bold and center the title.
5.)In the second row of the spreadsheet enter the sub-title headings such as Item, Estimated Cost, Actual Cost, Rating (Priority), Most Important. (Explain how to widen columns, if needed.)
6.)Below the sub-heading highlight the next 8 cells in Column 1 and format the cells for text. ("Number" tab on the Format/Cells menu.) This will allow students to list the items they have selected.
7.)Have students enter items they would like to include on their "wish" lists. Students only need 1 or 2 items to begin. Suggest new shoes or clothing items to stimulate thought. Unfamiliar items can be used to teach vocabulary words. For example, picture mats were an item unfamiliar to my students.
8.)Highlight the same number of cells in Column 2 and format the cells as numerical/currency.
9.)Enter estimated cost of selected items. This will also produce discussion possibilities.
10.)Format Column 3 for currency and use the catalogues or advertisements for actual prices. This column can be provided for student use as a follow-up activity to save time in completing the spreadsheet.
11.)In Column 4 the student will rate the items on a scale of 1-8 with #1 representing the most important item. This may also be the most expensive item.
12.)Column 5 is used to mark the item that the student wants the most in the event that another item is too expensive. Asterisks may be used to note the one "most wanted" item.
13.)Column 6 and 7 can be used later. Students may be shown how to insert rows and columns at any time during the activity.
14.)Use Autosum to get a total for Columns 2 (estimated cost) and 3 (actual cost).(Click in Cell B15, then click the Autosum symbol in the tool bar. Do the same in Cell C15.)
15.)Demonstrate how to set the print area. (Highlight the area to print and from the file menu select "print area," then "set print area.") Students may go to "page setup" and choose "landscape" then adjust the margins to center the spreadsheet on the paper.
16.)Have the student save his file as Christmas or Birthday Wish List for later use.
17.)Show the students how to print the spreadsheets to share with their parents.