Create a Budget

This lesson shows students how to manage the finances of their businesses. 

Components:   Operations
                       Computer Applications

Objectives:     Select and use appropriate instruments and technology to measure in 
                      real world situations 
                      Create and produce a simple spreadsheet 
                      Analyze data

Materials:      Computer with spreadsheet capability

Procedure:     Directions for creating a spreadsheet on Microsoft Works

1. Go to Start and click on Programs.

2.   Click on Microsoft Works.

3.   Task launcher will pop up.

4.   Click on Works Tools.

5.  Select Spreadsheet.

6.     A spreadsheet will appear.

7.     In a top cell write credit and in another cell write debit.

8.   Click under the box you wrote and put in the amount of money.

9.      Continue adding numbers in the credit and debit columns.

10. Go to easy calc....

11. Click on sum.

12. Highlight the numbers to be added and click next.

13. Click on box where the answer is to appear.

14. On the debit box add a little minus sign before the and click enter.

15. The number will appear in parenthesis.

16. To subtract again go to the toolbar and click on tools.

17. Go to easy calc… and click on sum (not subtract).

18. Highlight numbers to be subtracted and press next.

19. Click the box where the answer is to appear and select finish.

20. To find the average use the same steps as before except click average

       instead of add or subtract.

Evaluation     Students will make a spreadsheet on the computer adding expenditures 
                    and credits that occur during one week’s time. They will show if the 
                    company made a profit or loss.     

Extensions:     Create a spreadsheet using a weekly allowance and one using the salary 
                      of a famous athlete.

                      Write a persuasive letter to a customer reminding him/her of money that is 
                       owed to the store.

Homework:     Rewrite the directions for making a spreadsheet in your own words, so 
                       that it is easier to understand. Use the computer while writing this. 

Sites:                Introduction to Spreadsheets Working on a budget gives the 
                        students a greater sense of understanding debits and credits.

 

                        Teacher Zone Introduction to Spreadsheets More practice for students 
                        to learn about running a business and its budget.