New
New
Year 5

Databases in real life

I can use a real-world database to answer questions.

New
New
Year 5

Databases in real life

I can use a real-world database to answer questions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A real-world database stores many records that can be searched and filtered.
  2. Fields are used to search and sort data in a database.
  3. Search tools (like filters and sort functions) help narrow down large sets of data.
  4. 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.


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

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.

It would be helpful to know how to carry out a flight search online and be able to screenshot flight details in a web browser.
Teacher tip

Equipment

This lesson requires use of an online database. Examples provides are for Google Flights.

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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5 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of a chart?
To write stories
To store books
To play music
Correct answer: To visually compare data
Q2.
What can you use to change what is shown on a chart?
Rubber
Correct answer: Filter
Ruler
Pencil
Q3.
Put these steps in order for creating a computer-based chart.
1 - Enter data into the computer
2 - Select the type of chart
3 - Edit the chart
Q4.
Match each type of chart to its correct description.
Correct Answer:Pie chart,Shows parts of a whole as slices

Shows parts of a whole as slices

Correct Answer:Bar chart,Compares different amounts using rectangles

Compares different amounts using rectangles

Correct Answer:Line chart,Displays changes over time with points connected by lines

Displays changes over time with points connected by lines

Q5.
What does it mean to sort data in a chart or table?
To delete all the information
To draw pictures on the data
Correct answer: To arrange information in a specific order
To hide all the numbers

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match each keyword to its meaning.
Correct Answer:Sort,To put data values in order

To put data values in order

Correct Answer:Filter,To narrow down search results using a specific criterion

To narrow down search results using a specific criterion

Correct Answer:Database,An organised collection of records

An organised collection of records

Correct Answer:Field,A single category of information in a record

A single category of information in a record

Q2.
What is a collection of data about one object or thing?
Correct Answer: record
Q3.
Which part of a database do you use to search or sort information?
Picture
Correct answer: Field
Page
Button
Q4.
Match each action to what it helps you do.
Correct Answer:Using a filter,See only certain records

See only certain records

Correct Answer:Sorting by price,Arrange from cheapest to most expensive

Arrange from cheapest to most expensive

Correct Answer:Searching by field,Find information by a specific detail

Find information by a specific detail

Correct Answer:Comparing results,Decide which option is most suitable

Decide which option is most suitable

Q5.
What should you do after finding options in a database?
Pick the first one
Turn off the computer
Ignore the results
Correct answer: Compare the choices
Q6.
If you use a database to find holiday options, who decides which is the best choice?
The database
The website designer
The computer’s memory
Correct answer: The user