ABSTRACT
The first spreadsheet activity demonstrates how computers can be used to give immediate feedback. The difference between the simple investigation the children are using and the simulations they explored previously is that the formulae are more complex and the outcomes are translated into animations or text messages. The second spreadsheet activity shows them how feedback can be changed dependent on the input the computer receives. This lays the foundation for aspects of control technology. The investigation into rectangular area in Unit 6B: Spreadsheet modelling could readily be combined with this Project and/or act as an extension activity for those children who are ready to move on to more challenging tasks. The simulations should be used to encourage the children to adopt a more systematic approach to manipulating the variables and to take account of the effects of their actions. The simulations in the first activity encourage the children to think about the relationship between mathematics and real-world situations.
