EUSES Spreadsheet Problems for Teachers
Pre-Algebra
These problems were created as part of the EUSES research studies about teaching students to use spreadsheets. The full archive of problems can be found at the EUSES Spreadsheet Education Problems page.
They have proven useful and helpful to students so we post them here for free use by teachers. Primarily these problems are of the level of middle to high school students and feature math concepts taught through the use of spreadsheets.
Please feel free to send us your comments: For general comments about the EUSES Consortium or the web page eusesconsortium@eecs.oregonstate.edu and for comments about the problems niessm@onid.orst.edu
M & M Activity
Mathematics Concepts
- Average
Spreadsheet Skills
- Summation function
- Average function
Files
Hand Dominance
Mathematics Concepts
- Pattern recognition through analyzing graphs
Spreadsheet Skills
- Graphing
Files
Hermione Shopping
Mathematics Concepts
- Estimating and basic algebraic operations
Spreadsheet Skills
- Relative referencing and basic general formula entry
Files
Hogwarts Expansion
Mathematics Concepts
- Basic algebraic operations
Spreadsheet Skills
- Relative and absolute referencing
- IF statements
Files
Pay Plan
Mathematics Concepts
- Addition
- Percentage
- Cost Estimation
Spreadsheet Skills
- Sum
Files
Vacation Plan
Mathematics Concepts
- Distance = Velocity * Time
- Cost Estimation
Spreadsheet Skills
- Cell reference
- Sum
- Dynamic function
Files
Number Trick
Mathematics Concepts
- Order of Operation
Spreadsheet Skills
- Cell reference
- "=" sign
- Dynamic function
Files
Any Pattern in Circular Objects
Mathematics Concepts
- Relationship between the circumference and the diameter of a circle
Spreadsheet Skills
- Relative referencing
- Basic algebraic operations
- Formula entry
- Graphing
Files
Marbles
Mathematics Concepts
- Graphical relationship between mass and volume data for a set of marbles
Spreadsheet Skills
- Relative referencing
Files
Mystery Town Wind Frequency
Mathematics Concepts
- Simple algebraic operations
Spreadsheet Skills
- "SUM" and "ROUND" functions
- Radar graph
Files
Design a Magic Square
Mathematics Concepts
- Basic algebraic operations
- A math puzzle
Spreadsheet Skills
- Relative referencing
- Basic formula entry for a algebraic operations
Files
Bellagio
Mathematics Concepts
- Common Multiples
Spreadsheet Skills
- "IF" and "MODE" function
- Absolute cell reference
Files
The San Diego Zoo and the Oil Crisis
Mathematics Concepts
- Percentage
- Simple algebraic operations
Spreadsheet Skills
- Absolute and relative referencing
- The "SUM" function
Files
The Library at Hogwarts
Mathematics Concepts
- Problem Solving
- Decision making using basic
- Algebraic operations
Spreadsheet Skills
- The "ROUND" function
- Absolute and relative referencing
- Bar graph
- Pie charts and graphing labeling
Files
One Inch Tall
Mathematics Concepts
- Ratio
Spreadsheet Skills
- The "ROUND" and "SHEET!" functions
- Simple algebraic operations
- Absolute and relative referencing
Files
Grade-Book Problem
Mathematics Concepts
- Percentage and its real-life applications
Spreadsheet Skills
- The "SUM", "ROUND" and nested "IF" functions
- Inequality symbol application