New
New
Year 5

Computer databases

I can navigate and sort data in a computer-based database using different views.

New
New
Year 5

Computer databases

I can navigate and sort data in a computer-based database using different views.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Data can be stored in fields.
  2. Flat-file databases can display information in different ways.
  3. Each record in a database holds all of the data about one item.

Keywords

  • Field - a category of data in each record

  • View - a way of presenting data that has been sorted and organised

Common misconception

You must look through every record individually to find an answer.

Sorting a computer database by fields allows you to quickly find answers without checking each record one at a time.


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

A live demonstration of the software is recommended as it is more beneficial to model the concepts to the learners, which allows for easier questioning and understanding.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Database software is required for practical activities. These lessons use J2E Database.

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 a database?
a collection of random data
Correct answer: an organised collection of data
a type of computer program used for designing websites
a set of instructions for a computer to follow
Q2.
What does a record in a database represent?
a single piece of data
a folder containing data
a collection of databases
Correct answer: a complete set of data about a single item
Q3.
What term refers to letters, words or numbers collected for a purpose but stored without context?
Correct Answer: data
Q4.
Why is it important to organise data?
Correct answer: to make it easier to find and analyse
to delete unnecessary information
to create new data
to make it look better
Q5.
What is one challenge of using a paper database?
It requires a computer to access.
Correct answer: It can be difficult to sort and search manually.
It cannot store text-based information.
It requires special software to organise data.
Q6.
Why would a database use tick boxes?
Correct answer: to record data in a simple format
to record a number
to record a name
to record an address

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the term for a category of data in each record of a database?
Correct Answer: field, a field
Q2.
What is the term for a complete set of data about one item in a database?
Correct Answer: record
Q3.
Match the term to its definition:
Correct Answer:table,a way to organise and display data in rows and columns

a way to organise and display data in rows and columns

Correct Answer:form,a tool used to collect and input information

a tool used to collect and input information

Correct Answer:data,letters, words, or numbers collected for a purpose

letters, words, or numbers collected for a purpose

Correct Answer:database,an organised collection of data stored for easy access

an organised collection of data stored for easy access

Correct Answer:sort,to arrange data in a specific order based on a chosen field.

to arrange data in a specific order based on a chosen field.

Q4.
What allows you to quickly find an answer in a computer database without looking through every record individually?
deleting unnecessary records
viewing records one at a time
adding more fields to the database
Correct answer: sorting the database by fields
Q5.
Order the steps to find specific information in a database:
1 - identify the field you want to search
2 - sort the database by the chosen field
3 - look at the sorted data to find the answer.
Q6.
Why is it important to compare views of a database?
Correct answer: to see how data can be organised differently
to create new data
to delete unnecessary data
to find errors in the data