Computing Wonders Grade 6 Book

1st Edition

Computing

Wo n d e rs!

6th Grade

10100

1st Edition

6th Grade

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Project Team/Co-Author

ED-TECH Research and Development Department
Tarib Ahmed

Chief Operating Officer- TechTree

Muhammad Taha

Chief Technology Officer- TechTree

Uzair Iqbal

Manager Ed-Tech and Research- TechTree

Saad Bin Imtiaz

Head of Trainings & STEM Research- TechTree

The entire computing curriculum in the STEM wonders book series have been mapped
with the attainment levels of ICDL & Single National Curriculum Pakistan education

policy 2021.

All rights reserved by TechTree. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any part by any means at any time.

Content Computing Wonders

CO N T E N T S 01 THE COMPUTER SYSTEM 01

1.1 Applications of computers:
1.2 Classification of Computers by Size
1.3 Hardware
14. Software
1.5 Computer Languages

02 FORMATTING NUMBER 15

2.1 Formatting a Cell
2.2 Making Calculations
2.3 Create a Graph
24. Print a Sheet

03 COLLECTING
INFORMATION 35

3.1 Gather Data
3.2 Introduction to Databases
3.3 Create a Database
34. Sort and Print

04 SHARE YOUR IDEAS 46

4.1 Blogging
4.2 Edmodo
4.3 Social Media
44. Safety Rules
4.5 Safety Rules
4.6 Intellectual Property

Content Computing Wonders

CO N T E N T S 05 STEM RESOURCES 63

5.1 Navigation & Measurement

06 BLOCK
PROGRAMMING 68

6.1 What is programming?
6.2 What is Scratch?
6.3 The Scratch Editor
64. Repeating
6.5 Conditionals
6.6 Variables
6.7 Game Development – Rocket Blaster

Contents STEM Wonders

0011Section

THE
COMPUTER
SYSTEM

4

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

1.1 Applications of computers

Computers have made a huge impact on our daily FUN FACT
lives. The computer has been useful in making
airline and railway ticket reservations, paying phone What is full form of computer?
and electricity bills, and making deposits, among The full form of computer is
other things. We see many Computers nearby, but ‘Commonly Operated Machine’
they all are different from each other. Computers particularly used for Trade,
come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Education, Research.
In this chapter, we’ll look at how computers are
classified according to their size. We’ll also talk
about some unusual input and output devices
including barcode scanners, magnetic ink character
readers, printers, and so on.

1.2 Classification of Computers by Size

We can divide computers into five categories The uses of supercomputers:
based on their size: microcomputers, • In research and study of energy and
minicomputers, mainframes, and nuclear weapons and designing aircraft,
supercomputers. airplanes, and flight simulators.

1.2.1 Supercomputer • Weather forecasting
• Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
Supercomputers are the most powerful • Scientific research laboratories.
computers available. These are made up • Chemical and Biological research and for
of many processors that work together to
make them much quicker and more powerful. highly calculation complex tasks.
These computers are capable of doing large
amounts of calculations that would be
impossible for humans to handle.

Examples: Fugaku, Cambridge-1, Summit,
Sierra, Sunway TaihuLight, IBM Blue
Gene/P, etc.

Fig 1.1- IBM Blue Gene/P Supercomputer

2

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

Do You Know? 1.2.2 Mainframe Computer

In the 1940s, the first fully electronic Mainframe computers are multi-programming,
computers were massive machines that high-performance computers with multi-user
capabilities, which means they can manage the
required teams of people to operate. workload of up to 100 people at once.
Today’s computers are not only thousands
The mainframe has a massive storage capacity
of times faster than those of the past, and a high-speed data processing system. In
but they can also fit on your desk, lap, or addition, hundreds of input and output devices
can be handled at once. To control the operation
even pocket. of mainframe computers, highly sophisticated
operating systems are required.
Fig 1.2- An IBM System z9 Mainframe
Examples of Mainframe computers are:
Fig 1.3- Inside an IBM System z9 1. Tianhe-1A; NUDT YH Cluster.
Mainframe 2. Jaguar; Cray XT5.
3. Nebulae; Dawning TC3600 Blade.
4. TSUBAME 2.0; HP Cluster Platform 3000SL.
5. Hopper; Cray XE6.
6. System z9.
7.System z10 servers.
8. HP mainframe.

Used in departmental and commercial organizations
like Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers,
and governmental departments. These computers
have a 24-hour working capacity. Hundreds of
people can work on these calculations at the same
time.The mainframe is used to execute duties such
as keeping track of payments, research centers,
advertising, sending invoices and notices, paying
staff, ticket booking, keeping track of user
transactions, preserving thorough tax information,
and so on.

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01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

1.2.3 Minicomputer

In terms of processing power and capabilities, minicomputers, also known as mid-range
servers, are more capable computers than microcomputers. Minicomputers are primarily
multi-user systems that allow several users to operate on the system at the same time.

In comparison to microcomputers, minicomputers
have more storage space and memory. These
can even handle a larger number of input/output
devices.

Following are some examples of minicomputers:
• PDP-11
• VAX

Applications of minicomputer: Fig 1.4- VAX Minicomputer
1. Business accounting.

2. It is used by the various sub-departments 1.2.4 Microcomputer
of the companies so that they can unload the

task of mainframe computers. The areas where Today, we use several computers at
minicomputers have been traditionally applied home, and the microcomputer is the
in information handling are:
most widespread. With the introduction
a. Circulation.
of microprocessors in 1970, it became
b. Cataloguing.
feasible to use computers for persoal
c. Series control.
use at a cheap cost and fair pricing,
d. Management.
which became known as the Digital
e. Acquisitions.
Personal Computer.
f. Communications.

g. Information retrieval. Microcomputers are small and have

limited storage capacity. These

computers are made up of a variety of

components, including input and output

devices, software, operating systems,

networks, and servers, all of which must

operate together to form a complete

Personal Digital Computer.

Fig 1.5- Raspberry Pi, a popular modern class
microcomputer.

4

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

Example: Fig 1.6- Laptop
PC, laptop, workstation, tablet, smartphone,
personal data assistants (PDAs), portable media
players (PMPs), etc.

Microcomputer is widely used for the follow applications:

Example:
1. Data and Word processing
2. Electronic spreadsheets,
3. Professional presentation,
4. Graphics programs,
5. Communications,
6. Database management systems, etc.

Table 1.1 Characteristics Fig 1.7- Tablet

Size Largest, fastest, powerful, and most Uses
expensive. They also generate a lot of
Supercomputers heat. Used for advanced scientific research such
as nuclear physics.
MainFrame Less powerful and less expensive than
Computers supercomputers. They also have a Used to handle all kinds of problems whether
large storage capacity. scientific or commercial i.e., performing
complex mathematical calculations. They are
Minicomputers Smaller and less powerful than mostly found in banks, hospitals, airports, etc.
the mainframe computers.
Used in scientific laboratories, research
Micro Computers Smallest, cheapest, and relatively least institutions, engineering plants, and places
powerful. Uses a microprocessor to where processing and automation are required.
process data. Examples: desktop, laptop,
and personal digital assistant (PDA). Used to perform a variety
of tasks including research,
communication, banking,
learning institution, libraries, etc.

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01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

1.3 Hardware

Hardware is the physical component of a computer system that we can see and t
ouch. Hardware includes input and output devices, storage devices, and the Central
Processing Unit. Let’s look at some input and output devices that are mainly used in
the commercial sector.

1.3.1 Input Devices

Input devices take user input and convert it into a computer-readable format. To
collect large amounts of data quickly, supermarkets, banks, and other businesses use
specialized input devices. Barcode scanners, magnetic ink character scanners, optical
character scanners, and card scanners are examples of such devices.

Barcodes Reader

Barcodes can be found on a variety of products, including groceries and clothing.
A barcode is a unique set of vertical bars that represents product information such
as price, manufacturing location, and so on. The cashier scans the barcode on each
purchased item with a barcode reader, which is then entered into the computer. The
barcode is used by the computer to identify the product.

Magnetic Ink Character Reader

Magnetic ink is a type of ink that contains magnetic Fig 1.8- Barcode and Barcode Reader
iron oxide particles. Characters produced in magnetic
ink can be scanned with a magnetic ink character Fig 1.9- Epson Magnetic Ink
reader. Magnetic ink character recognition is the Charachter reader
name of this technology (MICR). Because magnetic
ink characters are difficult to fake, MICR is widely used
in banks. This makes them perfect for recognizing and
marking checks. The cheque number, bank code, and
branch code are frequently printed in magnetic ink on
checks. Magnetic ink character readers scan this
information, and the cheques are sorted by city or
branch.

6

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

Optical Character Reader

An optical character reader is a device that Fig 1.11 - Optical Charachter Reader
accepts standard printed or handwritten
text as input. The process begins with the Optical Mark Reader
creation of a digital image of the text. The
image is then converted into character codes
that the computer can understand, store, and
process using character recognition software.
Optical character recognition is the name
for this method.

Do You Know? An optical mark reader is a device that
can read printed forms that have boxes
QR codes are a new style of barcodes or circles that can be filled in with a dark
in square shape that can store pencil or ink and are used for objective-
type exams. When a light beam passes
enormous data. Smartphones can scan through a shape like this, the marked
and read QR codes. areas reflect less light than the unmarked
ones. The optical mark reader will recognize
the filled boxes or circles in this manner.
This technology is called optical mark
recognition (OMR). It’s commonly used
to check exam answer sheets with
multiple-choice questions.

Card Reader Fig 1.12 - Optical Mark Reader

Card readers are devices that read data
stored on cards such as magnetic stripe
cards and smart cards. Magnetically stored
data in the form of numbers and characters is
stored on a magnetic strip. When you swipe
a card through a magnetic card reader, the
information is read quickly and accurately.

7

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

The information on the card can be destroyed
by magnetic fields, physical damage, and
contact with certain liquids.

Smart cards Fig 1.13- Card Reader

Smart Cards resemble magnetic strip cards,
but instead of a magnetic strip, they have a small
chip. Most bank-issued credit and debit cards
now include both a chip and a magnetic strip.
They have a larger data storage capacity than
magnetic strip cards. The data on a smart card
can be read and written using a smart card
reader.

Smart cards are used by gas stations
and department stores to keep track of their
customers’ shopping habits. Smart cards are
used by satellite television companies to store
the code that is used to decode satellite signals
and display pictures in their receivers.

Fig 1.14 - Smart Card

1.3.2 Output Devices

Output devices transmit data from the computer to the user. LCD projectors, Braille
printers, and plotters will be discussed in this section.

Liquid Crystal Display Projector

Fig 1.15 - Epson Liquit Crystal Display A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projector displays
Projector computer output on a large screen. It is commonly
used to show presentations during meetings and
conferences.

8

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

Plotter

A plotter is a type of printing device used to Fig 1.16 - Plotter
produce high-quality graphics, charts, graphs,
tables, and diagrams. Plotters create graphics on 1.4 Software
paper or polyester film with ink pens or inkjets.
They are commonly used in computer-aided The term software refers to
design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing computer programs that are required
(CAM) for printing plans for houses, car parts, for a computer system to run or
machinery, etc. operate. A program is a set of
step-by-step instructions for
Plotters are of four types: completing a specific task.
1. Drum plotters The software can be classified as:
2. Micrographic plotters
3. Inkjet plotters 1.4.1 System Software
4. Flatbed plotters
System software is a term that
Braille Printer refers to programs that are designed
to control the operation of a
Braille printers and embossers generate computer system. These programs
Braille printouts (patterns or raised dots) from aid in the execution of application
computer files. It is compatible with software programs. Operating systems,
that converts text to Braille. Braille print drivers, interpreters, compilers, and
documents are used for blind or visually assemblers are all types of system
impaired people. software.

Fig 1.16 - Braille Plotter

9

01 1he Computer System Computing Wonders

Software

System Application
Software Software

Operating Language Device Drivers General Purpose Specialist Customize
Systems Processor and Utilities Software Software Software
Assembler
Interpreter Compiler

Operating Systems Drivers

The master control program that A driver is a computer program that
runs the computer is known as the enables a computer to interact with a
operating system. It regulates the hardware device, such as a printer, a
flow of data from the central flash, USB drive, etc.
processing unit to the various
components of a computer. When Compilers
a computer is turned on, the
operating system is the first A compiler is a piece of software
program that is loaded into memory. that converts a high-level computer
Windows, Android, Linux, and MAC language program into a machine
OS are some of the most popular language program. The compiler reads
operating systems. the entire program and then translates
it into machine language all at once. It
informs the user of program errors as
well as the line numbers where the error
occurred. The object program or object
code is the name given to the translated
program. This object program is
permanently saved for future use.

10

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

Interpreter • Presentation and graphics software, such
as PowerPoint 2013.
An interpreter is a program that • Access 2013, MySQL, and Oracle are
converts and executes a single statement examples of database management
from a high-level language program. systems.
It then repeats the process for the next • Accounting software such as Tally.
statement, and so on until all of the • Spreadsheet software, such as Excel
statements in the program have been 2013.
translated and executed. A compiler is a
larger program than an interpreter. The Utilities
interpreter’s generated object code is
not saved. The process will be repeated if A utility is a program that performs
the same instruction is required later. maintenance on system components.
The following are examples of utilities:
Assembler • Backup software such as Amanda and
Box Backup.
A program that translates an assembly • Antivirus software such as McAfee,
language program into a machine language Quick Heal, or Norton.
program is known as an assembler. • Disk defragmenters.
• Disk compression utilities.
1.4.2 Application Software

Application software is aimed to aid users 1.5 Computer Languages
in performing a specific task. It’s divided
into two categories: Packages and Utilities. A programming language, also known as
a computer language, is used to write and
Packages develop software programs for computers.
There are two broad categories of
A package is a computer application that computer languages: Wlow-level languages
consists of one or more programs designed and high-level.
to perform a specific type of work.
Packages contain the following items:

• Word processors such as WordPad and • JA VA
Word 2013 are examples of word
processors.

C+ +

11

01 The Computer System Computing Wonders

1.5.1 Low-level Languages

Low-level languages are of two types: machine language and assembly language. Low-level
languages are machine-dependent. Code written for one machine might not work on the
other.

Machine Language

Machine language is a language that the computer understands and can execute directly
without the need for translation. Each instruction in machine language is written as a
long string of 0s and 1s. Because no translation is required, a program written in machine
language runs very quickly. These programs, however, are extremely difficult to create.

Assembly Language

Assembly language was the first computer language to use words made up of English
alphabet letters. It was created in 1950. Each instruction to the computer is written in
assembly language using a letter combination. It instructs the computer on where to find
the data and what to do with it. Assembly language, like machine language, is machine-de-
pendent.
1.5.2 High-level Languages
By the mid-1950s, widespread use of computers had resulted in the development of
high-level languages. These languages use English and mathematical symbols to simplify
computer programming. A source program is a program written in a high-level language. It
is not possible to run it directly on the computer. It must first be compiled or interpret-
ed. Machine-independent high-level language programs and they can run on a variety of
computers without modification. BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, C, C++, and Java are exam-
ples of high-level languages.

12

EndContents of Section - 01 The Computer SystemSTEM Wonders

Questions

Q. Choose the best one!

1. Which of the following is an input
device?
a. Inkjet printer
b. LCD
c. Barcode reader
d. Plotter
2. It is a unique combination of vertical bars?
a. Barcode
b. OCR
c. OMR Sheet
d. None of the above
3. Which category of computer is the fastest?
a. Supercomputer
b. Mainframe computer
c. Minicomputer
d. Micro Computer
4. Which category of the computer is most widely used?
a. Supercomputer
b. Mainframe computer
c. Minicomputer
d. Micro Computer

13

End of Section - 01 The Computer System

1. Which of the following is a utility program?
a. IC++
b. Python
c. Disk Cleanup
d. Perl

Q. Write in detail!

1. What is the classification of computers by size?
2. Differentiate between Supercomputer and Mainframe?
3. PDA stands for?
4. Write full form of MICR and OMR?
5. Define a program?
6. What do you understand by the term Operating System?
7. Differentiate between assembly language and machine language?
8. Define the following terms with examples:
• Hardware
• Software

14

STEM Wonders

0 2S e ct i o n

FORMATTING
NUMBER

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

What is Spreadsheet?

An electronic document in which data is arranged in rows and columns that form cells. This
data can be manipulated and used in calculations.

What is a cell?

A cell is a combination of
columns and row names.
For example, column name
A, row 3. The cell will be A3.

Basic Calculation: Fig 2.1 - Excel Spreadsheet
> Click the cell for Calculation
> Type = to begin the formula/
calculation.
> Type the required cell for
calculation (e.g.) = A2 + B2

Fig 2.2 - Calculation Example Fig 2.2 - Calculation Exampl3

2.1 Formatting a Cell Fig 2.4 - Excel Spreadsheet

You must format cells to make your data
more understandable. Let’s make a table
with your fellow students’ grades. Don’t
forget to check that all data is correct.

2.1.1 Changing Column Width

16

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

In some cases, you won’t be able to see the
entire part or phrase in a cell. A part of it
is missing.

For example, in cell B3 the word
“Mathematics” has lost the letter “s”.
A column has a default width but that
doesn’t mean the letter is missing. You just
can’t see it.

Fig 2.5 - Example

If you want to change the width of a column:
> move your cursor to the top right side of the column you want to resize
> your cursor will change to a double arrow pointer with a vertical line. (1️)
> click, hold and move the cursor to left or to right to increase/decrease the width of the column. (2️)

12

Fig 2.6 - Example

Isn’t it simple?
Let’s take a different approach:
> Select a cell that you want to make wider, so it fits your word/phrase. (1️)
> On the Home tab, in the Cells group. Click Format. (2️)
> Click AutoFit Column Width. (3️)
> The column will automatically adjust to the width of the text in the cell.

17

Formatting Number Computing Wonders

2
1

3

Fig 2.7 - Example

2.1.2 Change Row Height 2

Use the same method for changing column
width to adjust the height of a row. You can
adjust the height of multiple rows at once.

To change the size of multiple rows: Fig 2.8 - Example 1
> Select the rows that you want to change the 3
size of (e.g., rows 4 to 9). (1)
> Put the cursor between two of the row headers
that you selected.
> Your cursor will change to a double arrow
pointer with a horizontal line. (2)
> Click, hold, and move the mouse up or down
to change the height of all the selected rows
simultaneously. (3)

Fig 2.9 - Example

18

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

2.1.3 Merge Cells

A good title will help to better describe your data. You can mix or merge multiple
cells to produce a longer cell to generate a title above your columns.

To merge cells:
> Select the cells from A1 to C1. (1)
> On the Home tab, in the Alignment group, click Merge & Center. (2)
> Excel will automatically merge these cells and put the text in the center. (3)
> The title for your table is ready.

2 3
1

Fig 2.10 - Example

Only the data in the top-left cell will be kept if you merged cells
that already contain data.

2.1.4 Wrap Text

You can have a multi-line cell if you want to enter a long text and don’t want to make
the column broader. Your content will continue to wrap to the next line until
everything is displayed appropriately. The cell’s row height is likewise automatically
adjusted by the wrapped text.

19

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

To wrap text: 1 2
> In cell A2, change the name from Fig 2.11 - Example
Students to Students’ Names. (1) 2
> On the Home tab, in the Alignment 4
group, click Wrap Text. (2)
> Your text will automatically wrap
to fit correctly in the cell.

An easier way to wrap text
is to press ALT and ENTER

2.1.5 Insert Columns and Rows 1

More columns or rows are sometimes
required. You can add rows and columns to
a Microsoft Word table at any time and in
any location. You can do the same thing
right here. Between “Mathematics” and
“English,” add the topic “Science”.

To insert a new column: Fig 2.10 - Example
> Right-click the header of a column for 3
example column C. (1)
> On the pop-up menu, click Insert. (2)
> A new column will be inserted next to
column B. (3)
> Type the word Science in cell C3. (4)

Fig 2.11 - Example

20

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

To insert a new row, you will follow similar 1
steps:

> Right-click the header of a row for example
row 5. (1)
> On the pop-up menu, click Insert. (2)
> A new row will be inserted above row 5. (3)

Fig 2.12 - Example

3
2

Fig 2.14 - Example

Fig 2.13- Example

If you want to automatically insert more than one row or column, simply select
the number of rows or columns you want to add. For example, if you want to
insert two columns next to column B, select columns B and C, right-click, and
select Insert. Two new columns will be added next to column B.

21

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

2.1.6 Align Text and Numbers 1
2
You can type text and numbers in a
spreadsheet. Text is aligned to the left by
default, whereas numbers are aligned to the
right. You can, however, use any orientation
you like. Justification is another word for
alignment.

To align text: Fig 2.15 - Example
> Select the cell you want. (1)
> On the Home tab, in the Alignment group,
click the alignment you want, for example,
Center. (2)
> Your text will change alignment. (3)

You can format text like in Microsoft 3
Word. Choose your style!
Bz... You can position your data in
nine ways inside the cell.

• Top-Left • Top-Center • Top-Right

• Center-Left • Center-Center • Center-Right

• Bottom-Left • Bottom-Center • Bottom-Right

Fig 2.16 - Example

2.1.7 Delete rows

When you make a mistake or if you no longer need a row or a column, you don’t have to create
your table again. Simply delete the rows or columns you don’t require.

22

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

To delete a row or a column:

> Select the row or the column you

want 1
to delete. (1)

> Right-click it.

> On the pop-up menu, click Delete (2) 2

Make sure the data is still complete and do Fig 2.17 - Example
correct before making changes to it by
deleting rows or columns. You don’t want it!
to make calculations based on incorrect
data.

Let’s

Copy the following table and try to format it in the same way!

2.2 Making Calculations

You must format cells to make your data more understandable. Let’s make a table with your
fellow students’ grades. Don’t forget to check that all data is correct. Does it seem
complicated? Well, don’t worry. To make your life easier, Microsoft Excel has a lot of
functions. A function is a predefined formula.

23

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

The most common functions are:
• Sum gives the result of the addition of the

numbers you select.
• Average calculates the average of a selected area.
• Max gives the largest number.
• Min gives the smallest number.

2.2.1 Sum

A sum is a function that calculates the sum of a set of
cells. Instead of adding the cells one by one, use this
function to determine the total of many numbers.
complicated? Well, don’t worry. To make your life easier, Fig 2.18 - Sum Example
Microsoft Excel has a lot of functions. A function is a
predefined formula.

To calculate the Sum:
> Click the cell where you want to display the sum, for example, cell E4 (1) on the next page.
> On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click the small arrow next to ∑. (2)
> Click Sum. (3)
> Select the cells that you want to add, for example, cells B4 to D4. (4)
> Press Enter. The result of the calculation will appear in cell E4. (5)
Easy, right?

2

3

1

Fig 2.19 - Example

4 5

24 Fig 2.20 - Example Fig 2.21 - Example

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

HISTORY 2.2.1.1 AutoFill tool
The first version of
Microsoft Excel was released If you want to find the sum for another
on September 30, 1985, for set of data. e.g., the rest of the students,
Macintosh. The first version you don’t have to do the same. There is a
for Windows was released in faster way to calculate the sum for
November 1987. multiple sets of data and it’s called
AutoFill.

To use AutoFill:

The Auto fill tool allows you to fill a > Click cell E4. It’s the cell that you used to
range of cell with a series of data calculate the sum for the first student. (1)
without actually typing it in. It also > There is a tiny square on the bottom right
takes the formula that you wrote in corner of the cell’s border. It’s called the fill
the first cell and duplicates it in the handle. (2)
others, but changes the formula to > Move your cursor pointer over the fill handle,
work correctly in each new position. and the cursor changes to a hairline plus sign
(+), as opposed to the usual block plus sign.
> Click and hold on the fill handle and drag your
mouse pointer downwards to cell E9 to fill in.
(3)
> This way all the sums can be calculated in the
blink of an eye. (4)

Fig 2.22 - Example 12 4
Fig 2.23 - Example 3

25

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

2.2.2 Average To calculate the average (or mean). you follow
these steps:
The Average function gives the average
number, or the arithmetic means of a > Click the cell F4 where you want to display
range cell. Its syntax is like Sums: the average.
AVERAGE(number1, [number2], …) > On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click
the small arrow next to ∑.
1 > Click Average. (1)
> Select the cells that you want to calculate
Fig 2.24 - Example the average of, for example, cells B4 to D4. (2)
> Press Enter. (3)
> Use the AutoFill tool to calculate the average
for all the other students. (4)

2

Fig 2.25 - Example 3 4
Fig 2.27 - Example
Fig 2.26 - Example

26

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

Format Decimals

As you can see, the average here may Usually when we use decimal
have a lot of decimals, which are the digits numbers, we leave only two
after the decimal mark. You can also trim digits after the comma. This is
down the number of decimals. very common especially when
you use currency formats.
To decrease the decimal digits:

> On the Home tab, in the Number group, click the Decrease Decimal button. (1)
> Click it as many times as necessary to leave only one or two digits after the decimal mark. (2)

1

2

Fig 2.28 - Example

2.2.3 Max & Min

The MAX and MIN formulas in Excel get the largest and smallest value in a set of
numbers, respectively These functions work exactly like Sum and Average.

Try to use what you have
learned to calculate the
highest Mathematics grade
for the students.

Fig 2.29 - Example

27

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

Now do the same for the
lowest Mathematics grade.

Fig 2.30 - Example

Let’s do it!

Write down the following table. Format it and do the calculations
where needed. Don’t forget to use functions.

2.3 Create a Graph

Building charts and graphs are one of the best ways to visualize data in a clear, easy-to-
understand way. It is an effective method to communicate information to readers quickly
because it’s much faster to compare shapes than numbers.

Usually when we use decimal numbers, we leave only
two digits after the comma. This is very common
especially when you use currency formats.

28

02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

Smart Tip To insert a chart:
> Select the data you want to
There are many charts from which to present in the chart, for
choose. How do you always know which example, cells A3 to E9. (1)
one to pick? It all depends on what > On the Insert tab, in the
you’re trying to convey. Value comparison Charts group, click the Insert
is done using columns and bars. When Column or Bar Chart button. (2)
displaying data over time, lines are > Click the type of the chart
typically used. For percentages, we you like, for example, a 2-D
utilize pies. Column chart. (3)
> The chart will appear
representing your data. (4)

Fig 2.31 - Example 1

2

3

4

Fig 2.32 - Example Fig 2.33 - Example

1. The Vertical (Value) Axis gives you the range you have in your data from the smallest to the largest
number.
2. The Horizontal (Category) Axis shows the categories that you have in your table. In this example, you
can see the names of the students.
3. The Legend explains what each bar on the chart represents using colors and titles from your data.

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02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

2.4 Print a Sheet

Living in a digital world, we still need a printed copy now and then. At first glance, printing
Excel spreadsheets appear to be very simple. Isn’t it just a matter of pressing the Print
button? In reality, a well-organized and beautifully formatted sheet that looks great on a
monitor is often a mess on a printed page. This is because Excel worksheets are designed
for comfortable viewing and editing on-screen not to fit on a sheet of paper. To begin with,
printing your spreadsheet, you’ll need to understand how to adjust a few settings so that
you can print specific sections of your spreadsheet.

2.4.1 Margins

Margins are the space between the worksheet data and the left, right, top, and bottom
edges of the printed page. You can manually adjust them to add more or less space around
your worksheet data to fit more information on your page.

To adjust margins: 1
> On the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup 2
group, click Margins. (1)
> Click one of the default margins (e.g., Fig 2.34 - Example
Normal) or Custom Margins (2) if you want to 3
define your margins.
> In the Page Setup window, on the
Margins tab, (3) adjust the Top, Left Right, and
Bottom margins.
> Under Center on the page, select the
Horizontally check box and the Vertically check
box to position your table in the center of the
page. (4)
> Click OK. (5)

45

Fig 2.35 - Example

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02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

2.4.2 Orientation

Page orientation refers to how the output is printed on the page. When we change the
page orientation, the onscreen page breaks automatically adjust to the new paper
orientation.
There are two kinds of page orientation options in MS Excel: Portrait and Landscape.
Portrait orients the page vertically while Landscape orients the page horizontally.
Worksheets with a lot of columns benefit from landscape mode, whereas worksheets with
a lot of rows benefit from portrait mode. By default, Microsoft Excel prints worksheets
in portrait orientation.

To set the orientation:

> On the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, click Orientation. (1)

> On the pop-up menu, click Portrait if you want to print the page vertically, or

Landscape, if you want to print the page horizontally. (2)

landscape mode, whereas worksheets with a lot of

rows benefit from portrait mode. By default,

Microsoft Excel prints worksheets in portrait HISTORY
orientation. Portrait mode was first used on
the Xerox Alto computer, which was
1 considered technologically well ahead of its
time when the system was first
developed. Xerox product marketers did not
understand how revolutionary the system was,
and the portrait display faded away while
common landscape-display televisions were
appropriated for use as an inexpensive early

microcomputer display.

2

Fig 2.36 - Example

2.4.3 Print Selection

Sometimes you want to print only a specific selection of cells on a worksheet. But when
you print in Microsoft Excel, all data on a worksheet is printed by default.
To print a spreadsheet:
> Click the File menu (1) or press Ctrl+P.
> On the menu, click Print. (2)
> If you are sure that you set up your document correctly. Click Print. (3)

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02 Formatting Number Computing Wonders

1

A

3
B

Fig 2.37 - Example 2

A. Define how many copies you want. C D
B. Choose the printer you want to print Fig 2.38 - Example
with if you have more than one.
C. Print all pages, or only certain pages.
(e.g., from pages 2 to 8).
D. If you have a big table and only one
sheet of paper, use Fit Sheet on One Page
to shrink your table so that it fits on the
paper.

Do You Know?

Did you know that you can save money
when printing documents? And when
savings go hand in hand with being
eco-friendly, that is even better.

32

End ofFormatting Number Section - 02 Formatting Number STEM Wonders

Short Questions

1. What is a Margin?

2. What is Orientation?

3. What is a Chart?

4. How many Rows does a Spreadsheet have?

4. How many Rows does a Spreadsheet have?

33

Formatting Number Computing Wonders

6. Explain what is a Spreadsheet?

7. What type of Chart is useful for comparing values
over categories?

8. Which symbol is used to enter a formula in the
MS-Excel cell?

9. By default, how many worksheet(s) does MS-Excel
workbook contains?
10. Which type of charts can Excel produce?

34

Contents STEM Wonders

0 3S e ct i o n

COLLECTING

INFORMATION

34

03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

3.1 Gather Data

What is data? Data is information that we collect about the world. To make this
information useful, people need to be able to classify, sort, organize, represent, and
interpret it.

Let’s explore some different types of data:
> The leaves of a tree are green.
> Ali’s hairs are brown.
> A bicycle has 2 wheels.
> Yesterday was Friday.
> Saad’s favorite food is pizza.
When we gather a set of data, it can provide well-organized information about something
more specific!
For example, a hospital collects data about its patients and creates an organized set of
information. These types of data were frequently kept in file cabinets before the
invention of computers.

A collection of data stored on a computer is called a database.
Nowadays all records in hospitals,
government departments, large businesses, etc. are stored in a database. Using less to
almost no paper on record-keeping helps institutions save a lot of money.

Data is a collection of
facts. Information is how
you understand those
facts in context. Data is
everywhere.

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03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

Data such as Patient info data used to The term data is simply
keep in filing cabinets before computers. defined as “facts and figures”.
Each patient is usually given one card. Each piece of data is a little fact
Records of patients containing that doesn’t mean much on its
information such as name, age, Contact own. The word data can be used
No., BMI, Room No. etc. could be found for a singular fact or a collection
on the card. Such “cards” can also be of facts. It comes from the Latin
found in a database. The card will
appear to the user in the same way it word datum, meaning
did in the past, only this time it will be “something given”.
displayed on a screen.This database will
range from a few Megabytes in
size to hundreds stored electronically
on a computer.

Patient Name: _____________ Information is defined simply as
Age: ______________________ “news or knowledge received or
Contact No.: _______________ given”. It is what results when
BMI: ______________________ you have processed, interpreted,
Gender: ___________________ and organized facts. The word
comes from the Latin word
Information, meaning “formation
or conception.”

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03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

Let’s do it!

Using these country’s cards, collect data for three countries.
Compare your cards with the country cards of your classmates.

Country: _____________________
Capital City: __________________
Area in sq.km: ________________
Population: __________________
Founding year: _______________
Currency name: _______________

3.2 Introduction to Databases

A database is a collection of data that has been organized in such a way that it can be
searched and retrieved quickly by a computer.
A database system can sort, change or search the information on the database.
The information itself can be stored in many different ways; before digital computers,
card files, printed books, and other methods were used but the majority of data is now
stored in computer files.

A very simple example of a database system
would be an electronic address book.

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03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

Friend’s Address Book

Name Address Contact Number Email Address
Saad Gulshan e Iqbal block 13D 021 3589745 [email protected]

Uzair F.B Area block 4 021 3678745 [email protected]
Yahya North Nazimabad Block L 021 3487254 [email protected]
021 3598124
Shaheer Gulistan e Johar Block 10 021 3842391 [email protected]
[email protected]
Raheel DHA Phase 4

Table: A table is a collection of related data held in a table format within a
database. It consists of columns and rows.

Raheel DHA Phase 4 021 3842391 [email protected]

Record: A record is a row of a database, a horizontal grouping of fields; the content
of those fields is unique to that row.

Raheel Field: A field is a single unit of data that is
DHA Phase 4 unique within each entry/row, but the overall
021 3842391 data category is common to all entries. For
[email protected] instance, “address” is a field that is common
to all named entries in the Address book;
however, the content of the address field will
be unique for each named entry. The term
record is frequently used synonymously with
a row.

A magic toy box contains all of their toys, and they can put them into the toy box all messed
up. But this magic toy box is like a database because it will shuffle all the toys around, putting
them into order. What this means is, because the magic toy box has ordered all the toys, kids
can ask it for any toy they want, and it will quickly find it and give it to them. For example, if
they want all of their toy cars, the magic toy box will sort those all and give them to them.
Or it could be that they want the magic toy box database to give them all your toy cars that
are the colour blue. The magic toy box will quickly get those for them.

39

03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

Let’s do it!

Create a country database with the data you collected in an earlier task.

Country Capital City Area in sq. km Population Founding year Currency name

3.3 Create a Database

It’s time to create your database.
The first step is to determine what type of information you want to include. Give
each record a title or a field name based on the characteristics you want to collect.
Although there are a variety of database management programs available, you can
easily create a database table with Microsoft Excel!
Let’s make a database for your friend’s information.
The following are the field names:
Name, Address, Contact Number, Email Address, Birthday.

40

03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

To create a table:

>` Open an empty spreadsheet.

> Type the database field names

horizontally in different 3
Fig 3.1 - Example
cells (from A1 to E1). (1)

> Select the whole row by clicking the row

number. (2) 2 1

> Click the Bold button (3) to make 2
3
the titles stand out.
5
> Now add one record for each of your

friends. Every record must have

information about the five different fields.

(4)

Now that you have your database 4
information ready, format it with a
styleto make Microsoft Excel
understand it as a table of data.

Fig 3.2 - Example22

> Select your table cells

from A1 to E6. (1)

> On the Home tab, in the

Styles group, click Format
1
as Table. (2)

> Select a style you like!

Let’s choose one from

the Medium group. (3)
> In the Format As Table Fig 3.3 - Example22

window, select My table

has headers. (4) 4

> Click OK. (5)

> Your table has a new style Fig 3.4 - Example22

and the program knows that

the titles are field headers. (6)

6

Fig 3.5 - Example22

41

03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

If you later decide to add another friend, simply start typing the new
information in the first empty row under the data, and Microsoft Excel will
recognize it as a new record!

Fig 3.6 - Example

Let’s do it!

Do you remember the information on the countries that
you gathered? Try putting them into Microsoft Excel. Then
try to collect information for more countries and add it to
your database.

3.4 Sort and Print

If your database has a lot of data (records), it’s a good idea to sort your data so
that it’s easier to locate the information. For text fields, you can sort the data
alphabetically whereas numbers can be sorted from smallest to largest (and vice
versa).

42

03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

To sort your data, follow these steps: See what happens if you sort the
database table by other fields like
> On the Name header, click the down Address or Birthday!
arrow. (1)
>Sort the table records alphabetically by Smart Tip
clicking Sort A to Z. (2)
> All records will automatically change A sorting will put items in a list
position in the table and will now be sorted into an order, such as alphabetical or
based on the Name field. The arrow button numerical order. Sorting a list of items
(3) of the field header will also change to can take a long time, especially if it is
show that the table is displayed in a a large list. It is significantly easier to
specific order. locate information if it is presented in
a specific order than appearing at
1 random.

Fig 3.7 - Example22

2

Fig 3.8 - Example22 You can also choose to display only specific
3 records:

Fig 3.9 - Example22 > Select a field header by clicking the
arrow button next to it, such as Name. (1)
> Select only the names you want to
display. (2)
> This is called filtering. You have just
applied a filter to your database table
based on the content of one field. (3)

43

03 Collecting Information Computing Wonders

1 Let’s get your table printed now!
Fig 3.10 - Example22 > Click File.
> Click Print. (1)
> Check the preview of the page and when
you are ready, just click print. (2)

Using the same
procedure, you can
select all records, and
everything will be
displayed as it was
2 previously.

2

Fig 3.11 - Example22 1
3
A
The rest of the records B
are not deleted. They’re
still there, but are not C

displayed. Fig 3.13- Example22
Fig 3.12 - Example22
A. Take a look at the number of pages! If the
44 number is greater than one, your table will be
split across multiple pages!
B. If your table doesn’t fit correctly on a
sheet of paper, click Portrait Orientation,
and click Landscape Orientation.
C. If the table still doesn’t fit, click No
Scaling and select Fit All Columns on One
Page.

Colle Endcting Inf of Sormation ection - 03 Collecting InformationSTEM Wonders

Solve the crossword puzzle!

1. The collection of values for all fields in one table
vertically is called what?
2. What holds the design and structure of a database
inside it?
3. What makes the structure of a database?
4. The device that prints your files.
5. The collection of values for all fields in one table
horizontally is called what?
6. What is the name of a collection of organized data?

45