KS3 Excel Lesson 2 – Cheating at Maths! | Spreadsheet Formulas & Cell Referencing | Computer Science

A fun and practical KS3 Computer Science / ICT Excel lesson introducing students to basic spreadsheet formulas and cell referencing through the engaging theme of “Cheating at Maths!”

Students learn how to:

Use the = sign to perform basic operations (+ – × ÷)

Apply cell referencing for accurate calculations

Format cells and add borders for clear presentation

Understand how spreadsheets can automate maths problems

Included in this download:

Editable student worksheet / booklet

Linked Excel activities (Cheating.xlsx, Referencing.xlsx, Challenge.xlsx)

Starter, main tasks, challenge and plenary

Step-by-step structure ideal for independent or teacher-led delivery

Perfect for KS3 Computer Science, ICT, or Digital Literacy lessons focusing on data modelling and formulas.
Designed for all abilities, with extension tasks that let confident learners “cheat smarter” by creating self-calculating spreadsheets.

Part 2 of the 6-Lesson “Learning Excel” Series – building on Lesson 1 (Introduction to Spreadsheets) and preparing students for self-marking spreadsheet projects.