Tech Lesson 09-4a: Explorer Timeline: Using a Spreadsheet to make a timeline.

Standards:
Demonstrates understanding of basic technology and telecommunication tools
Operates Basic technology tools and applications
CSTA Level I Standard 4: (3rd to 5th) Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum.
CSTA Level I Standard 5: (3rd to 5th) Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create presentations, and publishing activities to create presentations for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
CSTA Level I Standard 9: (3rd to 5th) Determine which technology is useful and select the appropriate tools and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.

Basic Skills:
M4P1:  Students will solve problems (using appropriate technology).
M4P4:  Students will make connections among mathematical ideas and to other disciplines.
M4P5:  Students will represent mathematics in multiple ways.


Objectives:
Students will use a Spreadsheet program to create a timeline that shows the major events in an Explorer's life and discoveries.
Students will use alignment, cell size, shading, and text angles to create a timeline showing relative scale to the length of time.

Sample Timeline:


Process: 
Step A: Entering the Data
1. Students create paper copy of timeline in Social Studies Class.
2. Start Open Office select File -> New -> Spreadsheet
3. Type the title "Explorer Timeline: Explorer Name" in Cell B2.
4. In Row 5, Type the dates of the timeline.  Use one cell for each year.  Skip cells for years in gaps between events.
5. In Row 7, Type the events of the years.  Do not worry if the text over-runs the cell.

Step B: Formatting the Data
1. Format the Date:
a. Highlight the entire Row 5
b. Right Click - Select "Format Cells"
c. Select "Alignment"
d. Change the angle of the text to almost vertical
e. Select Horizontal Alignment: Center
f. Select Vertical Alignment: Bottom
g. Click "OK"  The dates should look like this:



2. Format the Information:
a. Highlight entire row 7.
b. Right Click - Select "Format Cells"
c. Select "Alignment"
d. Click "wrap text"
e. Select Horizontal Alignment: Left
f. Select Vertical Alignment: Top
g. Click "OK" The text should look like this:




(To color the text blocks:)
a. Highlight the cells.
b. Right Click - select Format Cells
c. Click "Patterns" or "Background"
d. Select a color and click OK.

Step C: Save your document
1. Save your timeline into your file area as: "Lastname Explorer Timeline"


Assessment:
Meets the Standard: Students will have created and saved a Spreadsheet document that shows events and dates in an explorer's life in relative scale to the passing of time.