If you are looking for a comprehensive project involving multiple Google Apps, budgeting math skills, and some serious room for student creativity, you have come to the right place. The title mentions Google Sheets, but really this activity is also heavy on Google Maps and Google Slides. This project will likely take 5-10 class periods to complete, depending on the skill level of the class. It is suitable for beginner or intermediate users of Google Apps.

The premise of the project is simple and realistic. Your students play the role of journalists who work for an online magazine. Their editor has given them a $15,000 budget and 30 days. The idea is for them to come up with a concept for a feature article to be in one of the magazines coming editions. Your students come up with the plan of reporting on a Bucket List adventure. The editor requires the following three documents:

- A budget for the trip constructed in Google Sheets.

- A Google Map which displays the destinations that will be visited on the trip.

- A Google Slides presentation which captures the essence of the journey.

Part 1 - Budget (Google Sheets):

In the Google Sheets budget, students itemize all of the proposed expenses they will incur on the journey. During this stage, students will need to research flight, hotel and event information online. They will use custom math functions to keep a running tally on how much money has been spent and how much is remaining on the budget. Students will be able to see if they are over budget and will need to make adjustments to their plans if necessary. They will also create a pie chart that breaks down how much each category costs.

Part 2 - Map of proposed destinations (Google Maps):

Students will import information from their Google Sheets document into a Google Map. This allows for a big picture look at their proposed travel route. Students customize the map to include pictures and custom icons to mark each stop.

Part 3 - The idea "Pitch" (Google Slides):

The last document is a Google Slides presentation. This will be used to "pitch" their Bucket List idea. There would be the option of making students present their slideshows to the rest of class. Also, this project could allow for document sharing and collaboration, or individual work.

There are a few options for instructions:

1) Online instructions - Rich, interactive instructions which include a linked Table of Contents available from every page, access to some video instruction, detailed screenshots, and excellent document navigation options. There is also some limited animation of titles to increase student interest in the instructions. These instructions are available from any device that connects to the internet and will work in any browser, so they would be accessible from home for the students. The link to the online instructions is included in the Teacher's Manual.

2) Interactive PDF instructions - Includes all the bells and whistles of the online instructions except for the limited animation and availability.

3) Paper instructions - The Interactive PDF instructions can be printed.

Google Sheets is basically like an online version of Excel. It is a great alternative to Excel in that it allows for student collaboration and for students to access their work wherever they have an internet connection! Google Slides is the online equivalent of PowerPoint.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments regarding this assignment! I hope that you find it useful and I look forward to hearing from you.

Included in this package:

- a teacher's manual in PDF form which includes setup options, teacher tips (links to video tips included), and information about all lesson materials.

- access to the above mentioned online instructions from the teacher's manual.

- an interactive PDF version of the instructions.

- access to example answers in Google Sheets, Maps and Slides from the teacher's manual.

- a link to a sample grading scheme that I use in Google Sheets format that is accessible from the Teacher's Manual. It will do the math for you as you evaluate students work!

Tips:

- If the project is taking too long, consider lowering the $15,000 budget and having less than 10 required stops.

- When students are researching flights, remind them to search for one way as opposed to returning flights. For many students, this is a new skill so that might not occur to them.

- Take the time to do this activity yourself prior to presenting to the students so you are familiar with the steps.

- Read through the teacher's manual for additional tips and tricks.

Note:

This lesson is part of the Google Sheets Bundle that I offer which you can find at:

Google Sheets Bundle - 10 Terrific Lessons for Beginners

It is also included in my Google Drive Bundle (Google Docs & Google Sheets bundles combined):

Google Drive - 14 Complete Lessons for Beginners

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