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Spreadsheets and Trusting Online Information: Investigation

≈ 24 min
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Investigation

Plan a fair investigation with a clear question, variables, method, repeats and a safe stopping rule.

This extension applies that lens specifically to Spreadsheets and Trusting Online Information.

Data in a spreadsheet

A spreadsheet stores data in a grid of boxes called cells. The grid has columns labelled with letters (A, B, C...) and rows numbered (1, 2, 3...).

Each cell has an address made of its column letter and row number. The cell in column B, row 3 is called B3. This is called a cell reference.

Spreadsheets can also do maths for you using a formula. A formula always starts with an equals sign. To add up a column of numbers you use SUM:

=SUM(A1:A4) means 'add together everything from cell A1 down to A4'.

Can you trust what you read online?

Anyone can post anything on the internet, so a data detective checks before believing. Ask three questions about a website or post:

  • Who made it? Is it an expert, a school, a news service - or someone unknown?
  • When was it made? Old information can be out of date.
  • Why was it made? To inform you, or to sell you something or trick you?

One golden rule: check a second source. If two trustworthy sites agree, you can be more confident the information is true.

Digital Foundations: Coding & Data — Investigation: In a spreadsheet, what is the cell reference for the box where column C crosses row 5? Write it the way a spreadsheet does.

Digital Foundations: Coding & Data — Investigation: A spreadsheet holds these litres of water: A1 = 12, A2 = 8, A3 = 5. What number does the formula =SUM(A1:A3) show?

Digital Foundations: Coding & Data — Investigation: You find a website saying a new drink 'cures every illness'. The page has no author, no date, and lots of buttons that say Buy Now. What is the smartest thing to do?

Name the original topic being extended by this investigation lesson.

Which statement is the best evidence-led starting point for Spreadsheets and Trusting Online Information: Investigation?