Think a spreadsheet can only be used to analyze data and create charts and graphs? Think again. Explore different ways a spreadsheet can be used for digital discussions, critical thinking adventures, and other ideas you never knew you needed! Below are some of my favorite Google Sheets activities that use the apps unique features in ways that make learning engaging and fun.
Teacher Tools Using Google Add-Ons
Google add-ons let you do more with your Google Docs and Sheets by adding new, useful features such as creating a tab for each student in your class or creating a spreadsheet for collaborative discussions with each topic on its own tab. Most add-ons are created by third-party developers and published to the add-on store.
- Roster Tab by Alice Keeler Blog Post
- Template Tab by Alice Keeler Blog Post
- Discussion Board by Alice Keeler Blog Post
- Group Maker by Alice Keeler Blog Post
- Roster to Slides by Alice Keeler Blog Post
- QR Code Generator by Tammy Worcester Blog Post
- Student Checklist Template by Laura Moore
- More Add-ons and Templates by Alice Keeler
Conditional Formatting
Cells, rows, or columns can be formatted to change text or background color if they meet certain conditions. For example, if they contain a certain word or a number. Click here for a full video tutorial.
- 20 Color Pixel Art Template by Eric Curts Blog Post
- Number of the Day by Cori Orlando and Christine Pinto Blog Post
- Models and Equations by Christine Pinto Blog Post
- Ten Frames Activity by Christine Pinto Blog Post
- 2 X 2 Multiplication Guide by Eric Curts Blog Post
Data Validation
Google Sheets supports a built-in mechanism called data validation rules. Data validation rules allow you to constrain the values that can be entered into a worksheet cell. You can create a dropdown list inside of any cell. Click here for a full video tutorial.
- Four Ways to Reflect by Laura Moore Blog Post
- Reader’s Response by Laura Moore Blog Post
- High Frequency Word Checkoff by Alice Keeler Blog Post
If Functions
A Google Sheets IF function allows you to use decision making in a worksheet. The If function tests to see if a certain condition in a cell is true or false. You then use cell referencing to pull data from one sheet to the next. Read more about them here and here.
- 2nd Grade Place Value Adventure by Laura Moore Video Tutorial
- 3rd Grade Level Up Multiplication by Laura Moore Video Tutorial
- Poo by Alice Keeler
Interactive Educational Games
Easily turn a Google Spreadsheet into fun activities such as flash cards, quiz shows, bingo, word search games and so much more. Click here for a full video tutorial.
- Flippity Google Sheet Add-On Flippity Website Badges Example
- Battlesheets Game Template by Eric Curts Blog Post
- Math Puzzles by Alice Keeler Blog Post
Charts and Graphs
When creating a spreadsheet, you frequently find yourself wanting to analyze your data. you can even display your data in the form of a chart or graph.
- Exploring Graphing by Alice Keeler Blog Post
- Graphing Bears by Christine Pinto Blog Post
- 3rd Grade Data Analysis by Laura Moore
- Kinder Create and Graph Templates by Christine Pinto
Sheets Tips and How-Tos
Login to Launchpad to view the following Hoonuit Tutorials, (NEISD Teachers Only)