ABSTRACT
Journalists’ investigation of unsafe bridges provides the backdrop for our introduction to basic spreadsheet skills. We begin by explaining how to load data into a spreadsheet; readers can follow along using the latest bridge inspection data from the Federal Highway Administration. This chapter explains spreadsheet terminology (such as cells) and best practices (always work with a copy of the original data; the first row should always be column headings) and how to navigate a spreadsheet to inspect the data (freezing panes and hiding superfluous columns). We then discuss how to “interview” data – to formulate questions that the data can answer. We walk readers through the process of answering those questions by making simple calculations (addition, division, percentages) in a new column, copying the formula down a column, formatting the results (e.g., as a percentage) and sorting or filtering the data. This chapter also covers how to total the numbers in a column by creating a new row at the bottom of the spreadsheet. Using data on COVID-19 cases at universities, we show how to calculate a rate – the number of cases per 1,000 students. Throughout the chapter, we nudge readers to turn their analysis into words and show how they would express their findings in a news story. The chapter ends with exercises and resources to reinforce spreadsheet skills.
