Typically we would learn Excel in this unit, which is the most powerful and popular spreadsheet program out there, but since the students don't have MS Office, we are going with Google Spreadsheets. The two programs are very similar and, actually, using the scaled-down version that Google provides can be a benefit to those students new to spreadsheets.
Today we learned five basic functions (sum, min, max, count, and average) as well as how to create basic formulas (ex: =(A1+C1)/2). With these simple skills the students can create all sorts of spreadsheets that perform a variety of tasks. The students also choose between two pathways through this unit: Blue Path (the teacher-led demonstration and small daily assignments to practice) or the Black Path (student-led, independent learning and completing two large assignments over the course of the unit). Most chose the Blue Path, which is appropriate, but the few that chose the Black Path will, hopefully, enjoy a little independence.