The Digital Scoop

Ice Cream Spreadsheet Activity

Last week, I started several different spreadsheet activities with my 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.  I was struggling to find topics and activities that would engage and excite my 4th graders.  

I decided to create a story they would use to create a basic spreadsheet.  What better topic to use than ice cream!  Suddenly, the Ice Cream Mania story was born!  

 

I created a Google Presentation that I projected at the front of the class.  We read through it together as the students created their spreadsheets.

 

We talked about what information we needed to take from the story and how we could organize it in a spreadsheet.

Once the students had gathered their data, they learned how to use the Functions Button to have the spreadsheet create sums for the total.

 

Finally, we began working on the bonus questions.  We decided to create a second sheet to use for that data.  

It was fun to see the students get excited about the outcome of their spreadsheets and become really interested in the numbers and data!

 

Avery Design and Print Online

The Avery Design and Print Online site is a great place to create labels and other projects.  You will need to complete a free sign up before you begin creating a project. 

Once you are signed up you begin by selecting the product template you need. 

 

You can search by Avery template number or use a keyword.  You don't need to use Avery labels as long as you know the label size or template number.

Next, you are able to select a design template.  There are many designs to choose from and you can also customize them.  When creating labels you will see name and address on the designs.  Keep in mind you can place any text you want on the labels not just addresses.

You will then be asked where your text/data will come from.  You can choose from three methods.

Quick and Simple allows you to change the graphic, format the text, and enter in different text for each of the labels.

Enhanced editing allows you to create several labels pages at one time.  You can also move or edit any item on the labels.

Mail Merge allows you to upload a Spreadsheet or Database of information and create labels as you would in MS Word.

Finally, when you click print the project a pdf file will be downloaded and opened on your computer.  You will have a page of labels you can then print.  You can keep the pdf for future printing and you can also save the project in your Avery account.

The Avery Design and Print Online is a great resource for busy teachers!  Check it out!

Microsoft Design Gallery Templates

I love the free templates you can download and use from the Microsoft Template Gallery.

The Template Gallery is currently featuring Back to School templates for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.  The templates provide a great jumping off point for students and teachers alike.  If you don't want to re-invent the technology wheel before school starts...grab a template for inspiration and get started!