The square numbers form an interesting pattern on the times (multiplication) table. They run along a diagonal from 1 to the top right of the table separating the table into two halves. This is the first step in looking at patterns in the multiplication table. Students build a new square number table by using a rule and then graph that the square numbers. The square numbers form a parabola on a graph.
Tag: geometry
Shapes
Shapes introduces student to changing the colors in cells and to changing the shapes of cells by dragging the column or row separators in the address axes. Students can use spreadsheets as drawing tools and can create some wonderful pictures with them. Spreadsheets can thus be tools for visualizing mathematics as well as adding the arts to technology and math.
Build a House
Spreadsheets with their natural grid make a great, though not entirely flexible, platform for architectural design and for working with shapes. Build a house introduces students to using spreadsheets to create floor plans and to measure area. Most spreadsheets have amazing graphic flexibility. You may want to encourage students to use spreadsheets for art. Here is an incredible example: http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2013/05/28/tatsuo-horiuchi-excel-spreadsheet-artist/