Lesson Plan

• Describe the difference between relative, absolute, and mixed cell references in a spreadsheet.
• Explain how each reference type behaves when a formula is copied across rows or columns.
• Apply appropriate reference types to calculate totals, tax, discounts, and multiplication tables.
• Create formulas using absolute and mixed references to lock specific cells or ranges.

• Computer with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets)
• Projector and screen
• Worksheet with sample data and practice exercises
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout of reference‑type cheat‑sheet

Begin with a quick question: “What happens to a formula when you copy it to another cell?” Review students’ prior experience with simple formulas, then outline that today they will learn how to control cell references using $ symbols. By the end of the lesson they will be able to choose the correct reference type for any calculation.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students complete a short quiz on basic formula copying to identify what changes.
2. Teacher mini‑lecture (10'): Explain relative, absolute, and mixed references with visual examples on the projector.
3. Guided demonstration (10'): Model entering a relative formula, then converting part of it to an absolute reference (e.g., tax rate) and show the result when dragging.
4. Collaborative activity (15'): In pairs, learners complete the discount‑calculation exercise, using an absolute reference to D1 and relative references for price cells.
5. Mixed‑reference challenge (10'): Students build a 5×5 multiplication table, applying column‑absolute and row‑absolute references.
6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick exit ticket where each student writes one scenario and the reference type they would use.

Summarise the key rule: use $ to lock columns, rows, or both. Ask a few students to share the reference they chose for the multiplication table. Collect the exit tickets as a formative check and assign homework to create a budget spreadsheet using both absolute and mixed references.