New
New
Year 4

Using a data set to answer a question

I can explain that data gathered over time can be used to answer questions.

New
New
Year 4

Using a data set to answer a question

I can explain that data gathered over time can be used to answer questions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Data collected over time can reveal trends, patterns and changes.
  2. Selecting a suitable data set is essential for accurately answering a specific question.
  3. Effective questions are those that can be clearly answered using the available data.

Keywords

  • Data - a letter, word, number etc. that has been collected for a purpose, but are stored without context

  • Table - a structure consisting of rows and columns used for storing data

  • Layout - the way something is arranged

Common misconception

You can use a data set to answer any question.

You can use a data set to answer a question, but it needs to be appropriate to the data set being used.


To help you plan your year 4 computing lesson on: Using a data set to answer a question, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Data to observe is all around us. Find opportunities for pupils to be able to observe data in real-life situations.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is data?
Correct answer: information collected for a purpose, but without context
a list of rules
a type of computer
a finished report
Q2.
Which of these is an example of data?
a completed chart
a storybook
Correct answer: the number seven written on a page
a timetable
Q3.
Where is data often stored?
Correct answer: in a table or database
on a playground
in a painting
in a song
Q4.
Which of these is NOT data?
a random number
Correct answer: a completed story
a list of names
a set of scores
Q5.
Put these steps in order for collecting data:
1 - decide what question to answer
2 - collect the data
3 - store the data in a table
4 - review the data
Q6.
Match each keyword to its meaning:
Correct Answer:data,information collected for a purpose

information collected for a purpose

Correct Answer:table,a structure with rows and columns to store data

a structure with rows and columns to store data

Correct Answer:layout,the way something is arranged

the way something is arranged

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What can data collected over time help us find?
the largest mammal in the world
the fastest runner in the world
the tallest building
Correct answer: trends and patterns
Q2.
What structure is used to store data in rows and columns?
Correct Answer: table, a table, tables
Q3.
Which is the best data set to find out how much it rains each month?
favourite foods
book titles
shoe sizes
Correct answer: weather records
Q4.
Order these actions when gathering data over time:
1 - decide what to measure
2 - record data at regular times
3 - store data in a table
4 - look for patterns
Q5.
Match the item to its description:
Correct Answer:trend,a pattern that appears over time

a pattern that appears over time

Correct Answer:data set,a group of related information

a group of related information

Correct Answer:question,something you want to find out

something you want to find out

Q6.
Why is it important to select the right data set?
to make it look neat
Correct answer: so the answer is accurate
to use lots of colours
to make it longer