Advanced
60 mins
Teacher/Student led
+80 XP
Pupils work on their own device

KA1 Workshop: Problem-solving Spreadsheet

In this workshop you will complete your Specialism Module 3 Key Assignment 1 by turning your problem statement into a working spreadsheet and writing a short explanation of how it solves the question.

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    1 - Introduction ~5 mins

    Today you will

    • finish your problem-solving spreadsheet
    • write a short explanation of how it answers your question
    • save both files in {{code:sm3/}} for your Key Assignment

    Illustration for IntroductionEvery answer on your sheet must work itself out with a formula.

    Warm-up

    Open {{code:Project_Portfolio/09_specialism/sm3/}} and find {{code:sm3_problem_statement}}. What is your question, in one sentence? If you can't find it, write a new sentence about a real number question from your project.

    2 - Key Concepts ~5 mins

    A problem-first spreadsheet is built to answer one clear question.

    Inputs are the numbers you can change, like the price or the number sold.

    A live formula works out the answer again every time an input changes.

    Your explanation says which features you used and why.

    Example

    Aoife's question was: "Will I make a profit if I sell 50 cases at €12 each, with materials at €4.50 per case and fixed costs of €80?" Her sheet shows those inputs, live formulas and one highlighted answer.

    3 - Step-by-step Task: Lock the Solver Sheet ~20 mins

    Now you will finish {{code:sm3_ka1_problem_solver}}, your problem-solving spreadsheet for Key Assignment 1. Watch your teacher first, then follow the steps in the box below and tick each one.

    4 - Common Issues ~4 mins

    Common issues

    • My answer does not change. You typed a number, so delete it and type a formula like {{formula:=B10-B12}}.
    • I see {{code:#DIV/0!}}. A cell you divide by is blank or zero, so give it a real number.
    • My explanation has no reasons. Write each point as "I used X because Y".
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