In each case a cover page is required that explains the process of the assignment and a written explanation of their results. The first application is an activity that I pull from a textbook entitled Payroll. Students are asked to create a spreadsheet from scratch which will calculated gross pay and net pay for different persons in the company. The second application is an activity that I call Auto Park. I give students sales figures for the month of January at my fictional business.
Students are responsible for creating sales and expenses for at least the first quarter.
To calculate expenses, I give them information about commissions of new and used vehicles. Research the prices for plane tickets, lodging, food, recreation events and souvenirs as well as the country's currency and exchange rates, etc. Make a list of possible expenses. We've done some simple spreadsheets and generating a graph in spreadsheet with 5th-8th graders. Favorite pie flavor.