Math for Business Operations

Applied Accounting with Excel

UNIT08 - Lesson 8

Project Kickoff with Group Datasets

45 minutes
Lesson Overview

Lesson Focus

Receive group-specific fixed-asset dataset, set up workbook, begin build

Key Unit Objectives

Enduring Understandings:

  • Long-term assets are tracked differently from everyday expenses because they provide value over multiple periods
  • Depreciation method choice affects reported profits, tax obligations, and asset book values over time
  • Professional asset tracking requires organized registers with cost, useful life, salvage value, and method documentation
  • The depreciation decision has real consequences for financial statement presentation and business decision-making

Lesson Activities

Activity 1: Group Dataset Distribution
10 minutes

Each group receives a unique fixed-asset dataset

Details:

  • Distribute group-specific asset dataset packets
  • Teams review their dataset and identify asset types
  • Confirm workbook structure matches rehearsal format
  • Set expectations for final deliverables
Activity 2: Workbook Setup
15 minutes

Set up workbook with correct naming and structure

Details:

  • Create workbook with proper naming convention
  • Set up asset register sheet with data validation
  • Enter all assets from group dataset
  • Verify depreciable base calculations
Activity 3: Depreciation Schedule Build
15 minutes

Build depreciation schedule for group dataset

Details:

  • Calculate depreciation using assigned methods
  • Build accumulated depreciation and book value tracking
  • Add workbook checks and validation
  • Verify calculations against manual spot checks
Activity 4: Milestone Check
5 minutes

Verify project workbook is opened, named, and functional

Details:

  • Check: Workbook opened and named correctly?
  • Check: All assets entered with complete information?
  • Check: Depreciation calculations started?
  • Milestone: Project workbook opened and named
Required Materials
  • Group dataset packets
  • Workbook setup guide
  • Milestone 1 acceptance criteria
  • Asset register starter template
Differentiation Strategies

For Struggling Students

  • • Scaffolded asset register with pre-filled asset descriptions
  • • Formula templates for depreciation calculations
  • • Step-by-step build guide with screenshots
  • • Peer mentoring partnerships with advanced students
  • • Reduced asset count while maintaining authentic business context

For Advanced Students

  • • Extension challenge: Add partial-year depreciation logic
  • • Compare three or more depreciation methods
  • • Leadership roles: Mentor teammates and facilitate peer critique
  • • Deep dive: Tax vs. book depreciation differences
  • • Research MACRS depreciation and its real-world application

For English Language Learners

  • • Depreciation terminology glossary with visual aids
  • • Key formulas explained in plain language with examples
  • • Recommendation templates with language scaffolding
  • • Visual depreciation schedule examples
  • • Partner with fluent English speakers for presentation preparation