New
New
Year 5

Comparing data visually

I can explain that computer programs can be used to compare data visually.

New
New
Year 5

Comparing data visually

I can explain that computer programs can be used to compare data visually.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Charts can be used to visually compare data.
  2. Charts can be refined by selecting a particular filter.
  3. Computer-based charts can be edited and refined more easily than paper-based charts.

Keywords

  • Chart - a way of presenting data graphically

  • Axis - a line on a chart that shows what the data means

Common misconception

All charts made from the same data are equally useful.

Some charts might not help answer a specific question, even if they are accurate. Choosing the right chart type and structure matters.


To help you plan your year 5 computing lesson on: Comparing data visually, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

It is helpful to demonstrate for the students how the chart tool can create very different-looking charts from the same data.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Database and spreadsheet software is required for practical activities. These lessons use J2E Database and Google Sheets but any alternative is suitable.

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 does the term 'AND' do in a database search?
Correct answer: finds records matching all given criteria
finds records matching at least one criterion
deletes records
sorts records alphabetically
Q2.
What does the term 'OR' do in a database search?
finds records matching all given criteria
Correct answer: finds records matching at least one criterion
deletes records
sorts records alphabetically
Q3.
What is the name for a category used to organise data in a database?
Correct Answer: Field, Field name
Q4.
If you want to find all students who play football and are in Year 5, which search term would you use?
NOT
OR
ALL
Correct answer: AND
Q5.
Match the following examples to their database terms.
Correct Answer:Name,field

field

Correct Answer:John,value

value

Correct Answer:Year 5 AND Football,search criteria

search criteria

Q6.
Put these steps in order to perform a search in a database.
1 - Open the database.
2 - Select the fields you want to search.
3 - Enter the search criteria.
4 - View the results.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of a chart?
to write stories
Correct answer: to visually compare data
to delete information
to organise files
Q2.
What is the name of a line on a chart that shows what the data means?
Correct Answer: axis
Q3.
Which of the following is a benefit of computer-based charts?
They are harder to edit.
They cannot be filtered.
They are always accurate.
Correct answer: They can be edited and refined more easily than paper-based charts.
Q4.
Why might one chart be better than another for the same data?
All charts are equally useful.
Correct answer: Some charts help answer specific questions better than others.
Charts cannot be compared.
The type of chart does not matter
Q5.
Match the following terms to their correct definitions.
Correct Answer:bar chart,a chart type used to compare data with rectangular bars

a chart type used to compare data with rectangular bars

Correct Answer:pie chart,a chart type used to show proportions or percentages

a chart type used to show proportions or percentages

Correct Answer:axis,a line on a chart that explains what the data represents

a line on a chart that explains what the data represents

Correct Answer:chart title,a label that describes the purpose or content of the chart

a label that describes the purpose or content of the chart

Correct Answer:filter,a way to refine data to show specific information

a way to refine data to show specific information

Q6.
Why is it important to label the axes on a chart?
to make the chart look colourful
to make the chart harder to read
Correct answer: to explain what the data represents
to remove unnecessary information