Databases in real life
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a real-world database to answer questions.
Key learning points
- A real-world database stores many records that can be searched and filtered.
- Fields are used to search and sort data in a database.
- Search tools (like filters and sort functions) help narrow down large sets of data.
- Data from a database can be used to compare options and explain our choices.
Keywords
Sort - to put data values in order
Filter - to narrow down search results using a specific criterion
Common misconception
The database tells you the 'best' option automatically.
The database provides data, but users must decide which option is best by comparing data in fields like price, duration and times. The 'best' choice depends on the situation.
Teacher tip
Prepare by carrying out a flight search in advance and capturing screenshots to support pupils in exploring how real-world databases are used.
Equipment
Pupils will use an online flights database website. Examples in this lesson use Google Flights https://oak.link/google-flights
Files needed for this lesson
L6 Presentation_Flights Search 5.97 MB (PPTX)
Y5UUL6 Presentation_ Flights Example 5.98 MB (PPTX)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of a chart?
Q2.What can you use to change what is shown on a chart?
Q3.Put these steps in order for creating a computer-based chart.
Q4.Match each type of chart to its correct description.
Shows parts of a whole as slices
Compares different amounts using rectangles
Displays changes over time with points connected by lines
Q5.What does it mean to sort data in a chart or table?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its meaning.
To put data values in order
To narrow down search results using a specific criterion
An organised collection of records
A single category of information in a record
Q2.What is a collection of data about one object or thing?
Q3.Which part of a database do you use to search or sort information?
Q4.Match each action to what it helps you do.
See only certain records
Arrange from cheapest to most expensive
Find information by a specific detail
Decide which option is most suitable
Q5.What should you do after finding options in a database?
Q6.If you use a database to find holiday options, who decides which is the best choice?
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Databases in real life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Databases in real life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Flat-file databases unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.