Lab 3

In this lab exercise, we'll work with spreadsheet formulas, functions and relative/absolute addresses using Microsoft Excel.

To begin, download this sample Excel workbook onto your H: drive in your FIT folder. The workbook includes one worksheet named "grading".

A Grade Book

In this exercise, produce a gradebook worksheet that looks like this sample gradebook. Start by studying this sample. Make sure you think about where you're going before you do anything else. When you're ready:

• Add the appropriate weights to the "weights" row, and sum them up in cell G2 to ensure that they add up to 1.0. To do this sum, use the function call:

  =SUM(B2:F2)

  where B2:F2 is the range of cells for all the weights.
• Format the weights and their sum as percentages. Note: The sample gradebook shows the raw values, without the appropriate formatting! Be sure to update the formatting!
• Add the "assignment averages" row that computes the project average for the scores in that column. For this, use the function call:

  =AVERAGE(B5:B12)

  where B5:B12 is the range of cells for all the "proj1" scores. Fill this in to the first average cell and then copy it across the averages row using the "fill handle" discussed in class. Remember:

  Be lazy, don't do the math yourself, and don't hand-type the formula again and again. If these instructions seem unclear, Prof. Norman has created a video showing exactly what you are trying to do, which you can view by clicking here.

• Compute the weighted score for the first student's row using an appropriate formula.
  • This formula should take the assignment weights as follows:

    =B5*$B$2 + terms for the other projects and the final

    where B5*$B$2 computes the weighted contribution of proj1. (Use the F4 key on your keyboard to turn B2 into $B$2.) Note the use of the absolute reference $B$2 to refer to the weight of proj1. That weight value should be the same for all students, whereas B5 should adjust as the formula is copied).
  • When this is right, copy the formula down to the other students' rows using the fill handle.
• The weighted score computation you just entered has a bit too much typing and won't automatically upgrade itself if you add a new column—it's not lazy enough! As a contrast, replace the formula for the first student's weighted score, and use the SUMPRODUCT function, as follows:

  =SUMPRODUCT(cell range of assignment weights, cell range of assignment scores)

  Don't forget to use relative and absolute references as appropriate. Copy the formula down the column using the fill handle. As a general rule, you can expect Excel to have functions specialized to deal cleanly with situations like this, so be sure to look for them when you feel that you're not being "lazy enough".
• Finally, sort the student rows by selecting all rows 5-12, including the students' names and weighted scores, choosing "Data"-"Sort" and selecting "Column G", "Descending". (Troubleshooting hint: you'll get interesting results if you didn't use absolute addressing correctly.)
• Change the grader's name to yours.

Be sure to save your modified workbook on your H: drive.

Submitting your Work

Submit your modified gradebook spreadsheet in Moodle to Lab 3.