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Session 1 – Foundation: Fabric & Copilot (60 min)

Session Overview

In this session, you will get hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and Copilot. You’ll create a Lakehouse, import data, transform it with Dataflow Gen2, and generate a semantic model for analytics.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Demo of Copilot in Fabric

Follow along in your own environment or just watch.

  1. Locate the Copilot icon inside the Lakehouse SQL analytics endpoint experience. It will be in the top ribbon as pictured below.

    Copilot in Lakehouse navigation

  2. Open Copilot in the Power BI Service.
    Open any existing report and open the Copilot pane to see Copilot inside reports by clicking on the Copilot icon in the top ribbon as pictured below.

    Copilot for Report Creation in Power BI

Data Sourcing

Create a Lakehouse, import data, and transform it with a Dataflow Gen2.

  1. Navigate to the workspace list and select My Workspace (You may also use a standard workspace as long as it is on Fabric or Premium Capacity).

    Workspace Navigation

  2. Create a Lakehouse:
    Click New item to open the artifact library.

    Create New Item

  3. Search for "Lakehouse" and select the Lakehouse option.

    Search Lakehouse

  4. Name it lh_demo and click Create.

    Lakehouse Creation

  5. Upload the provided Data folder
    Download here and upload into /Files. Right-click on the /Files folder in the Lakehouse and select Upload Folder.

    Upload Folder

  6. Click the folder icon and browse to select the data files you downloaded. Select "Overwrite existing files" and then click Upload.

    Overwrite Existing Files Upload Folder Now

  7. Create a Dataflow Gen2
    Click New Item and search for Dataflow.

    Create New Item for Dataflow Search Dataflow Select Dataflow

  8. Import the df_demo.pqt file
    Download the template if needed.

    Import Dataflow Gen2

  9. Configure the Lakehouse Connection
    Click the yellow button, sign in if needed, and click Create.

    Configure Connection Lakehouse Connection

  10. Update the Source Files query
    Click the gear icon next to the last Navigation step and select the Files folder in the Lakehouse you created earlier.

    Navigation Settings Change Lakehouse

  11. Add a Default Data Destination
    Bind the tables as shown in the screenshot below.

    Bind Tables

  12. Publish the dataflow.

  13. Generate a Semantic Model
    In the Lakehouse, click New semantic model, select your tables, and click Create. Name the new model direct lake demo.

    New Semantic Model Select Tables

  14. Open Model view
    Create 1‑many relationships to match the screenshot below.

    Semantic Model Relationships

  15. Use Copilot to create a report
    Prompt:
    "Create me a report to show sales over time including both high-level and detailed information."

    Copilot Report Creation

Reflection

  • Checkpoint: Review your Lakehouse, Dataflow, and Semantic Model with your group.
  • Discuss: What worked well? Where did you encounter challenges?
  • Prepare: Bring your questions and findings to the next session.

Tips for Success: - If you get stuck, ask your instructor or a classmate for help. - Pause at checkpoints to review your progress. - Share your screen if you need troubleshooting assistance.

Let your instructor know if you need further clarification or support!