KS3 Excel Lesson 5 – Calculating Cost | Real-World Models & Conditional Formatting | Computer Scienc

A practical and engaging KS3 Computer Science / ICT Excel lesson applying students’ spreadsheet knowledge to real-world business and modelling tasks.
Learners use formulas, IF functions, and conditional formatting to design models that calculate profit, cost, and data-driven outcomes.

Students will:

Apply formulas and functions to create complex models

Use conditional formatting to highlight key results

Build a Penguin Selling Business spreadsheet to calculate profit and totals

Extend their learning with creative challenges such as Cinema Seat Pricing and Airline Profit Models

Included in this download:

Editable student worksheet / booklet

Linked Excel files (Penguins.xlsx, Cinema.xlsx, Format.xlsx)

Starter, tasks, challenges, and plenary for clear lesson flow

Extension and creative tasks to stretch higher ability learners

Perfect for KS3 Computer Science, ICT, or Digital Literacy lessons focused on modelling, data handling, and real-world problem-solving.
Designed for independent or teacher-led delivery, encouraging creative use of Excel’s formula and formatting tools.

Part 5 of the 6-Lesson “Learning Excel” Series – builds on Only IF and prepares students for self-marking spreadsheets and project-based applications.