2. Apply labels to the top cell of each column that you wish to use and identify items in the first row. In our case we will be making a grade book. The first Column (A) should have the heading "Names." The first row will be designated with student names (last, first.) The remainder of the column headings will be assignment titles on your assignment sheet.

3. Enter data under the headings that you have created according to the assignment sheet that you have been given. Here you will be making up names to put in column (A) under the heading Name that you created previously. You will make up numbers (grades on a 100 pt. scale) to put in the first three columns of assignments. When you complete the first three columns copy and paste the data created in the first three columns to fill in the rest of the sheet.

4.Create a column that is entitled Average at the end of the columns you have created thus far.

5. In the first cell under the Average heading you should type an "=" sign followed by the formula that you will use to compute the students’ grades. We will work out what this formula is meant to be in class. Typing an = sign in a cell tells the spreadsheet that you are now ready to enter a formula. Enter the formula carefully, being sure not to hit cut or delete, causing you to loose the contents of the formula you were entering. Hit "Enter" when you finish.
6.Now you should have an answer for the average of the first student. Highlight the cell where that answer appears. You should notice that the cell has a darker black outline around it. Also at the bottom right corner of the cell there is a small black square. Put your white cross cursor over it and observe as the white cross turns to a black cross. When this happens, click and drag down while you still have the black cross until you reach the last student. Voila!!!, all averages appear!

7. To keep ourselves honest and to provide for error checking, we should create one last student that we are always accused of having in class. Create a "Teacher’s Pet" as the last student in the spreadsheet. What grades do you give them? Oh, come on now…You know! 100’s all the way! If Teacher’s Pet ends up with something other than a "100" average then you know that your formula has a problem.

8. Now you are ready to format your spreadsheet. Highlight the first row which are the column headings by clicking on the number "1." Make the headings bold and 14pt.

9. Highlight the first column by clicking on the "A" column. Make the names bold 14pt and italic.

10. Highlight the entire spreadsheet by clicking in the unobtrusive gray button to the left of the "A" column and above the number "1." Choose the center text button on the toolbar (in the middle) to center everything in the spreadsheet.

11. Move your cursor between the column headings of any column that seems to be cutting off text because it is not wide enough. Your white cross should turn black with two arrows. When it does, double–click and the column automatically resizes to the largest piece of text within it.