Course Syllabus

BM 20: Microsoft Excel- In this course, students learn to use Excel through scenario-based, hands-on lessons that emphasize practical outcomes. By learning to use Excel to create real-world results, students discover how to be more personally productive and empowered. An industry credential in Microsoft Excel will be offered to all students.

Course Overview:

The Excel course is a curriculum created by Microsoft and adopted by the State of North Carolina. The curriculum works through seven (8) domains and is taught as a hands-on, project-based course. The Excel curriculum develops four key skill areas:

  • Project management and collaboration
  • Design
  • Research and communication
  • Certification

Goals and Objectives of Microsoft Excel 

Domain 1: Introduction to Workbooks

Domain 5: Using Formulas and Functions

1.1

Creating and opening workbooks

5.1

Create basic formulas

1.2

Become familiar with the Excel interface

5.2

Understand mathematical operators

1.3

Enter and edit data

5.3

Display formulas on a worksheet

1.4

Save workbooks

5.4

Relative, absolute, & mixed references

1.5

Navigating to named cells, and ranges

5.5

Define named ranges and references

1.6

Search for data and use autofill

5.6

Use SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, and MIN

Domain 2: Worksheet Management

5.7

Use COUNT, COUNTA, & COUNTBLANK

2.1

Set up columns, rows, and cells

5.8

Use logical functions in formulas

2.2

Insert, delete, rename, move, and copy

Domain 6: Getting and Transforming Data

2.3

Cut, copy, paste, and move data

6.1

Understand data from different sources

2.4

Paste data using special paste options

6.2

Import data from TXT and CSV files

2.5

Freeze panes and workbook views

6.3

Manipulating text

2.6

Use the Quick Access Toolbar

6.4

Use PROPER, UPPER, and LOWER

Domain 3: Formatting Cells

6.5

Use CONCAT and TEXTJOIN

3.1

Format font and cells

6.6

Insert hyperlinks for navigation

3.2

Apply number formats

Domain 7: Visualizing Data

3.3

Reuse formats

7.1

Apply and remove conditional formatting

3.4

Modify cell alignment, and orientation

7.2

Create and move charts

3.5

Merge cells and wrap text

7.3

Add alternative text

3.6

Apply cell styles

7.4

Add a data series

3.7

Clear formatting

7.5

Switch between rows and columns

Domain 4: Managing Tables and Range Data

7.6

Add and modify chart elements

4.1

Format data as a table

7.7

Apply styles and colors to charts

4.2

Convert a table to a range

7.8

Insert and modify sparklines

4.3

Configure table style options

7.9

Use and delete quick analysis

4.4

Insert and manage rows, and columns

Domain 8: Printing and Checking Data

4.5

Rename a table

8.1

Prepare a workbook for printing

4.6

Define names for cells and ranges

8.2

Configure page setup

4.7

Enable and disable the Filter button

8.3

Add and edit headers and footers

4.8

Sort data by multiple columns

8.4

Modify and inspect workbook properties

Curriculum information may be found at: https://center.ncsu.edu/nccte-cms/

Honors Differentiation:  Microsoft Excel HN is an honors level course. Students earning credit for an Honors level course receive an elevated number of Quality Points for their Grade Point Average. Students choosing the Honors level course should be aware that this Honors level course will include:

  • Required extension opportunities that are directly related to the Standard Course of Study. This includes additional content beyond that covered in the College Preparatory level.
  • More challenging coursework and assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of understanding for grades.
  • Projects and presentations will be more in depth.
  • Students will have to focus and study regularly to master the content.
  • The expectation that students can move through the coursework at an accelerated pace and students experiencing difficulty should quickly seek guidance from their teacher on how they can be more successful.

Resources: Throughout the course, students will utilize online applications to assist with learning and practicing to gain an understanding of the components of Excel. The following resources will be provided.

  • G-Metrix/LearnKey: An online application with lessons, activities, and practice materials to prepare students for the Microsoft credential exam.
  • Microsoft Excel Student application: This application provides multiple opportunities for students to learn and practice skills to understand Excel. Most of our daily work will be found in this resource

Learning Platform: Canvas: The majority of assignments will be submitted on our "learning platform," Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into textboxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations. We will have a lesson on the use of Canvas in my class during introductions, so students feel proficient in using the platform.

If students have questions, they can contact me or access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to let me know if there is a problem. The Canvas Learning Platform tracks every student log-in on Canvas which provides teachers with a list of when students log-in to Canvas using their user ID. Canvas scores will transfer to the gradebook in PowerSchool as needed. The most accurate grades will be found in PowerSchool which is the official gradebook.

 Supplies: The only supplies necessary for the course are as follows:

  • A small binder or notebook to hold notes and papers
  • Writing utensils
  • A flash drive to save student data

If any student has trouble obtaining these items, please contact Mr. Challand.


Participation:

It is essential that every student is in class, on time, and prepared to learn every day. This is a course that focuses on teamwork and individual achievement. By listening, asking questions, and working together, we will create a structure of responsible and successful individuals.

Grading Policy

Grading Scale           

100 – 90 = A                                                                                      

  89 – 80 = B                                                                                          

  79 – 70 = C                                                                                           

  69 –60 = D                                                                                 

  59 or below = F

 75% of semester grade: Daily work, tests/quizzes, projects

25% of semester grade: Final Exam

Late Work:

Work turned in after the due date will receive a 5-point deduction per day it is late. Work that is not turned in at all will receive a grade of 0.

Make-up Work:

  • A student who misses homework, assignments or project due dates because of absences will be allowed to make up the work. Arrangements for completing the work should be made within five school days of the student’s return to school.
  • A student who misses a test or quiz is expected to make up the assessment within one week of their return.
  • It is the students’ responsibility to contact Mr. Challand for any make-up work.

Note: Re-tests are available for students who score poorly on exams. A student can only receive a maximum score of 80% on re-assessments. Re-tests must be completed within one week of the original date and only after the student has attended tutoring with Mr. Challand.

Attendance:

Regular attendance is required.  Your presence in class is crucial since most of the activities in this course occur during class time.  Your active participation will enhance your success as well as that of your classmates.  Be active in class!  Participate in class discussions!  Your opinions, input, and questions are what this class is all about!  Class attendance is part of your final grade.

Credit will not be granted for classes when absences for a student reach eight days for a semester long course and fifteen days for a yearlong course. Absences include those that are lawful, unlawful, and due to suspension.

Following any absence(s), a student is required to present a written document from the parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence.

Tardies:

Students are expected to be in class when the tardy bell rings. A student is tardy when he/she is not in the classroom when the bell begins to ring. Student must report to the  office for an admittance slip. All tardies will be recorded. See the CATA Handbook for tardy policy and consequences.   

Policies Regarding Academic Dishonesty:

Honesty and integrity are two of the most important qualities an individual can possess. Any dishonest behavior, including but not limited to acts such as copying another student’s work, giving someone your work to be copied, forging a signature, or not telling the truth when asked are signs of a lack of integrity and will not be tolerated. The honor code will strictly be enforced and consequences for violations of the honor code will be applied.  If found or suspected of plagiarism or cheating of any kind, the student will receive a score of zero for that test/assignment and no make-up will be allowed.

The score of zero will be permanent.

In addition to risking a failing grade there are several other practical reasons not to cheat.

  • No grade is worth sacrificing your character.
  • You do not have to live with the knowledge that you behaved dishonestly while under pressure.
  • You will take pride that your work is your own.
  • Professionals in all industries must adhere to a code of ethics outlined by their employer, community, or licensing entity. Practical ethical behavior becomes easier the more it is practiced.

Expectations:

Each student is guaranteed the right to a good education. Therefore, disruptive behavior on the part of any student will not be tolerated.

  • Preparation: All students are expected to arrive to class prepared and in possession of all required materials stated in this syllabus. If a student or parent has difficulty obtaining the necessary materials, contact Mr. Challand for assistance.
  • Engagement/Sleeping: All students are expected to be engaged in the class activities for the entire period. At no time are students permitted to opt out of an assignment. Sleeping or putting head down in class is not tolerated at any time. 
  • Electronics: There is a zero tolerance regarding electronics and will be strictly enforced. If a student is found using an electronic device (MP3 players including earphones, cellular phones, cameras etc.) in class, the teacher may follow policies comprising confiscation up to and including an administrative referral.
  • Eating and Drinking: There is absolutely no food permitted in my classroom. The only acceptable beverage is water in a clear plastic bottle. This policy is in place to prevent distractions and to maintain a sanitary work environment
  • Dress Code: All students are expected to adhere to the dress code that is outlined in the student handbook. If a student is in violation of the dress code they will immediately be sent to a member of the administrative team.
  • School Materials: We are fortunate that CATA has provided us with contemporary materials. You will be expected to use these materials in a respectful manner, as they must last for many years.  Inappropriate use of materials including books and/or technology equipment will be dealt with accordingly.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due