| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT |
| Lesson Topic: Know and understand the order in which mathematical operations are performed including the use brackets to make sure that formulae work |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the BODMAS/PEMDAS precedence rules used by spreadsheets.
- Explain how parentheses alter the evaluation order of formulas.
- Apply correct use of brackets to construct accurate spreadsheet calculations.
- Identify and correct common formula errors related to operator precedence.
- Evaluate given formulas and predict results using the order of operations.
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Materials Needed:
- Computer lab with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets)
- Projector and screen for demonstration
- Printed worksheet with practice formulas
- Whiteboard and markers
- Example spreadsheet file pre‑loaded with data (A1‑D1 values)
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick real‑world scenario: calculating total sales where discounts and taxes must be applied in the correct sequence. Review students’ prior experience with basic addition and multiplication in spreadsheets, reminding them of the default calculation order. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to write formulas that use brackets to control the order of operations and avoid common errors.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students complete a short mental‑math task on operator precedence displayed on the board.
- Direct instruction (10'): Teacher explains BODMAS, shows the hierarchy table and demonstrates how a spreadsheet evaluates a formula without brackets using the projector.
- Guided practice (12'): Students work in pairs on the printed worksheet, converting unbracketed formulas to correctly bracketed versions while the teacher circulates and checks understanding.
- Independent activity (10'): Each learner creates a small spreadsheet with given cell values and writes three formulas that use nested brackets; they record the evaluation steps.
- Quick check (8'): Whole‑class review of answers, address common pitfalls, and use an exit ticket where students write one rule about using brackets.
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Conclusion:
Summarise the four‑step precedence hierarchy and emphasise that parentheses are the most powerful tool for controlling calculations. Ask students to submit their exit ticket stating the single most important rule they will remember. Assign homework to design a spreadsheet that calculates a payroll scenario, ensuring all formulas use appropriate brackets.
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