Tools for Calculating: Spreadsheets

 

Students enjoy dealing with authentic information. Explore some of the resources below to find "real-world" sources of data. Consider joining an online project.

• Data Collection Sites
• Polls and Surveys
• Charts & Graphs
• Economics

Try Comparison Shopping

Do some online comparison shopping. Explore the following sites and compare the price of three items. Make a simple spreadsheet that lists the place, the item, and the price. An easy place to start is with the titles of three books, movies, or CDs. 

Start with these:

• amazon.com
• barnesandnoble.com
• borders.com
• powells.com

Also try these:

• etoys.com
• bluefly.com
• outletmall.com
• cybershop.com
• landsend.com
• gap.com

 Use Online Calculators

Try some web-based calculators:

• Home Improvement Calculators
• Shapeup America
• Travel Distances
• Time Zones
• Salary Calculator

 

Try these formulas for spreadsheet projects:

• Math formulas

Conduct a science or social studies experiment and analyze the results on a spreadsheet.

• Identify a problem and gather the data.
• Create a file in Microsoft Excel.
• Develop the layout.
• Enter formulas.
• Enter data.
• Analyze the data.
• Try some "what-ifs".
• Draw conclusions.