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      Comparing data visually

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      Model how the same dataset can be used to create different types of charts, helping pupils choose the most effective visual representation.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device with database software. Examples in this lesson use J2E database https://oak.link/database

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      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.

      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

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