New
New
Year 5

Creating a paper-based database

I can use a paper database to record data.

New
New
Year 5

Creating a paper-based database

I can use a paper database to record data.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Data can be recorded using forms.
  2. A database is an organised collection of data.
  3. A physical database can be sorted in different ways.
  4. Data can be ordered, sorted and grouped.

Keywords

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

  • Database - an organised collection of data stored on a computer

  • Record - one complete set of data about a single item in a database

Common misconception

All records must be filled in with text.

You can use tick boxes, numbers, or other formats to show data.


To help you plan your year 5 computing lesson on: Creating a paper-based database, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The answers to the flight search activities will change frequently. This lesson is designed to enable learners to use real-world context in order to answer the questions. The focus should therefore be on the process the learners use, rather than on the answers.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Printable record cards

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.
Which of these is an example of a yes/no question?
What is your favourite colour?
Correct answer: Do you like apples?
How old are you?
What is your name?
Q2.
What do we call a collection of information kept together?
Correct answer: a database
a map
a drawing
a storybook
Q3.
Which of these is NOT a good way to organise information?
writing it in a list
using a branching database
storing it in a table
Correct answer: scattering it on random pieces of paper
Q4.
What is one advantage of using a list?
Correct answer: It keeps information organised.
It makes information harder to find.
It takes up a lot of space.
It is only useful for drawings.
Q5.
How do yes/no questions help in a branching database?
They make the database colourful.
They make the database harder to use.
Correct answer: They help sort information into groups.
They allow open-ended answers.
Q6.
Arrange these steps to organise a list:
1 - write down items
2 - group similar items together
3 - arrange the items in order
4 - check for missing items

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a database?
a collection of drawings
Correct answer: an organised collection of data
a list of random ideas
a computer program
Q2.
What is a record in a database?
a single piece of data
a list of items
a drawing of a database
Correct answer: one complete set of data about a single item
Q3.
Which of these can be used to record data in a paper database?
Correct answer: numbers
Correct answer: tick boxes
Correct answer: text
Q4.
What is the purpose of sorting data in a database?
to make it harder to find information
Correct answer: to make it easier to find information
to make it look pretty
to remove unnecessary data
Q5.
Which of these is NOT true about a database?
It is a collection of data.
It can be organised.
Correct answer: It is always electronic.
It can be used to store records
Q6.
Match the action to its purpose:
Correct Answer:sort data,make it easier to find

make it easier to find

Correct Answer:create records,organise data about single items

organise data about single items

Correct Answer:use tick boxes,record data in a simple format

record data in a simple format

Correct Answer:organise a database,group and arrange data

group and arrange data

Additional material

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