Vocabulary Spreadsheet Activity
Introduction: In addition to learning Exploring Career Decisions vocabulary, the purpose of this vocabulary
activity is to learn how to use some of the functions of a spreadsheet: entering data into cells, Merge and
Center titles, adjust column widths, formatting data, etc.
The instructions for this activity are for Microsoft Excel. However, you may use Numbers for Mac or Google
Spreadsheet as long as you know or can find how to complete specific spreadsheet functions in those software
programs. Save often. You will not print this activity but show your work on your PC or laptop screen.
Although this activity involves exploring careers vocabulary, it is also helpful to know some spreadsheet terms.
Here is a handful to get started.
In a spreadsheet, columns are the vertical divisions of a spreadsheet and are labeled alphabetically by letters.
Rows are the horizontal divisions of a spreadsheet and are named by numbers. A cell is the intersection of a
row and a column on a spreadsheet in which data can be entered. A cell address is the location of a cell on a
spreadsheet, (identified by the column letter, followed by the row number; examples: A1, B4)
Directions: Accurately follow the following instructions for keying data in cells, using the Merge and Center
function, adjust column widths, etc.
1. Open a new spreadsheet file, change the Layout to Landscape Orientation, name your file, and save it on
Google Drive or your MacBook Air laptop. If you are using Microsoft Excel, first save it on the PC on
Desktop or in My Documents before you upload it to Google Drive.
2. In Cell A1, key your title for your activity, your first and last name, and your class block information.
3. Select (highlight) cells A1 through G1 and click the Merge and Center icon under the Home tab.
4. Skip row 2.
5. In row 3, key our column headings and use center alignment for each heading (The instructions in
parentheses informs you of what you are expected to do for each column). As you enter data, in order to
view all of your information, you will need to adjust column widths by double clicking between the column
letters near the top of the page.
a. In cell A3, key Number (You will number your list 1 through 10).
b. In cell B3, key Vocabulary Word (You will key ten or more vocabulary words).
c. In cell C3, key Definition (For each word, key its definition).
d. In cell D3, key Synonyms (You will provide three synonyms for each of your words).
e. In cell D4, key Sentence (You will compose a sentence, using the word or a form of the word, in a
specific manner that shows the word’s meaning. Example: In Art class, I creatively painted a
picture of a beach at the ocean).
f. In cell E4, key Picture (You will insert or copy/paste a clip art or picture exemplifying the word).
g. In cell E5, key Sources Used (You will key the title of the vocabulary sheet for your data and the
main website address, NOT Google or Google images, for your pictures; and don’t just copy/paste
the “mile-long” URL of the images either – just the main website address).
6. After you enter all of your data, you may creatively explore and enhance your spreadsheet with your
choices of font style, font color, size, borders, gridlines, etc. As needed use the Help function – click on the
question mark in Excel.
7. Proofread and edit your work both with and without spell check. Did you capitalize your name, the title,
the column headings, etc., correctly? Do all of your sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a
punctuation mark (usually a period)? Are they complete sentences?
8. Review to make sure that you accurately and thoroughly followed directions and instructions.
9. Then please raise your hand and share your work with your teacher. 