xlsx, 73.18 KB
xlsx, 73.18 KB
xlsx, 10.72 KB
xlsx, 10.72 KB
docx, 75.76 KB
docx, 75.76 KB
pptx, 7.38 MB
pptx, 7.38 MB
xlsx, 12.04 KB
xlsx, 12.04 KB

KS3 Excel Lesson 2 – “Cheating at Maths!” Using Basic Calculations & Cell Referencing (Dyslexia-Friendly | High Engagement | Perfect Follow-On Lesson)

Keep the fun, accessible tone going with this second Excel lesson, where students learn how spreadsheets let you “cheat at maths” simply by typing = and using cell references. No functions yet — just clear, confidence-building calculations using Excel’s most essential skills.

All materials are fully dyslexia-friendly, using accessible fonts, soft colour palettes, clean spacing and high-contrast headings to support every learner.

What students will learn (Lesson 2):

  • Basic Spreadsheet Calculations — Students use =A1 + B1, =C3 - C2, =D4 * 10, and =E5 / 2 to perform instant calculations.
  • Using Cell Referencing — Pupils understand how formulas change when values change, reinforcing the power of modelling.
  • Applying Maths Questions in Excel — Students use cell references to solve simple maths questions automatically (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Why modelling matters — When one number changes, the entire calculation updates — demonstrating the “cheating at maths” idea in a fun and memorable way.

Why this resource stands out on TES:

  • Fully dyslexia-friendly design — OpenDyslexic (or similar) font, pastel backgrounds, structured spacing, colour-coded examples, and clutter-free layout.
  • High engagement angle — The “Excel is cheating at maths” theme gets instant buy-in, even from reluctant learners.
  • Perfect for mixed ability KS3 groups — Highly scaffolded steps, example formulas, guided practice, and stretch challenges.
  • Error-proof tasks — Students can’t “break” anything; they simply change numbers and see results update.
  • Ready to teach — Teacher slides + worksheet + editable spreadsheet provided.

By the end of the lesson, students can:

  • Confidently type = formulas to calculate answers
  • Use cell referencing instead of typing numbers manually
  • Understand why spreadsheets are modelling tools
  • Apply these skills to real maths-style questions in Excel

A smooth, supportive follow-up to the Battleships lesson — giving KS3 learners the foundations they need before moving on to formulas and functions in Lesson 3.

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 20%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

KS3 Excel Mega-Bundle – 6 Fully-Dyslexia-Friendly Lessons (Battleships, Maths Modelling, Functions, Logic, Budgeting & Profit!)

*KS3 Excel Mega-Bundle – 6 Fully-Dyslexia-Friendly Lessons (Battleships, Maths Modelling, Functions, Logic, Budgeting & Profit!)* Transform the way your KS3 students learn spreadsheets with this **complete 6-lesson Excel unit**, fully resourced, highly engaging, and designed with **dyslexia-friendly fonts, colours and layout** throughout. Every lesson includes teacher slides, worksheets, editable Excel files and step-by-step tasks that ensure success for all learners, including SEND and lower-ability students. This bundle takes students from absolute beginners to confident spreadsheet users through fun, practical and real-world modelling activities. *What’s included in the 6-lesson sequence:* *Lesson 1 – Battleships & Cell Referencing* *Introduce spreadsheets through a fun Battleships activity.* Students learn rows, columns, cells, formatting and basic referencing using a fully accessible grid-based model. *Lesson 2 – “Cheating at Maths!” Using = Calculations* Show pupils how simple **=** formulas can calculate answers automatically. They learn to use cell referencing to solve maths problems and see how modelling updates instantly. *Lesson 3 – Fun Into Functions!* Students discover Excel’s most popular beginner functions: **SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX**. Step-by-step, dyslexia-friendly instructions build confidence with real-world examples. *Lesson 4 – IF & ELSE Logic: Build a Self-Marking Quiz* Introduce spreadsheet logic with IF statements. Students create a mini quiz where Excel marks their answers automatically — a brilliant link to computing and coding concepts. *Lesson 5 – Real-World Cost Modelling* Learners build a practical budgeting spreadsheet for shopping, everyday spending and simple cost analysis. A perfect real-world application of formulas and modelling. *Lesson 6 – Party Planner: Costs, Pricing & Profit!* Students design a party, add their own items, calculate costs, set ticket prices and work out profit or loss. This creative challenge consolidates the whole unit. *Why this bundle sells exceptionally well on TES:* * ✔ **Fully dyslexia-friendly design** – OpenDyslexic font (or similar), pastel backgrounds, spacious layouts, clean formatting and colour-coded examples in every lesson. * ✔ **Extremely high engagement** – Battleships, self-marking quizzes, party planning and budgeting keep behaviour low and motivation high. * ✔ **Perfect for mixed-ability KS3 groups** – Step-by-step tasks, scaffolded worksheets, clear modelling, and optional extension challenges. * ✔ **Ready-to-teach** – All six lessons include PowerPoints, worksheets and editable Excel templates. No preparation needed. * ✔ **Real-world relevance** – Students quickly see how spreadsheets matter in life, business, money, events and computing. *Skills students will master across the bundle:* * Cell referencing * Formatting & layout * Basic operations using = * Functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX) * IF/ELSE logic * Budgeting, costs & profit * Spreadsheet modelling & decision-making This 6-lesson Excel bundle gives you **everything you need for a full half-term of KS3 Computing** — fully accessible, fun to teach, and proven to keep students engaged from start to finish.

£9.99

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