New
New
Year 5

Using a database

I can outline how I can answer questions by grouping and then sorting data.

New
New
Year 5

Using a database

I can outline how I can answer questions by grouping and then sorting data.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Data can be grouped using chosen values.
  2. Information can be grouped using a search.
  3. Grouping and sorting can be combined to answer specific questions.

Keywords

  • Criteria - a rule used to search or sort data

  • Search - to look for specific data in a database by using a rule

  • Sort - to put data values in order

Common misconception

Searching a database changes all the records.

Searching only shows the records that match the search; it does not change the database itself.


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

This lesson uses the paper-based records that were created in lesson 1. If students do not have these, there is a printable copy to use.
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 category of data in each record of a database called?
Correct Answer: field
Q2.
Match the keyword to its definition:
Correct Answer:field,a category of data in each record

a category of data in each record

Correct Answer:record,all the data about one item

all the data about one item

Correct Answer:view,a way of presenting data that has been sorted and organised

a way of presenting data that has been sorted and organised

Correct Answer:flat-file database,a database that stores data in a single table

a database that stores data in a single table

Q3.
What is the difference between a field and a record?
A field contains all data about one item, while a record is a category of data.
A field stores data in multiple tables, while a record stores data in a table.
A field and a record are the same.
Correct answer: A field is a category of data, while a record contains all data about one item.
Q4.
What is the process of arranging data in a specific order in a database called?
Correct Answer: sort
Q5.
What is the purpose of a database view?
Correct answer: to display data in a specific way
to store data
to delete records
to create new fields
Q6.
Why is it useful to sort data in a database?
to delete unnecessary records
Correct answer: to make data easier to find and understand
to create multiple tables
to prevent data from being edited

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the action to its purpose:
Correct Answer:searching,displays only the records that match a condition

displays only the records that match a condition

Correct Answer:sorting,organises data in a specific order

organises data in a specific order

Correct Answer:grouping,categorises data for easier analysis

categorises data for easier analysis

Correct Answer:combining,Answers specific questions by using grouping and sorting together

Answers specific questions by using grouping and sorting together

Q2.
Why is it useful to group data?
to delete unnecessary records
Correct answer: to organise data for answering questions
to permanently change the database
to create multiple tables
Q3.
What is an example of a criterion for sorting data?
Correct answer: alphabetical order
database name
search term
record number
Q4.
How can grouping and sorting be combined?
to delete unnecessary records
Correct answer: to answer specific questions
to create new databases
to permanently change the data
Q5.
Arrange the steps for grouping and sorting data to answer a question:
1 - group the data by a chosen value
2 - sort the grouped data
3 - analyse the data to answer the question
Q6.
What happens to the database when you perform a search?
The database is permanently changed.
All data is deleted except the matching records.
The database is sorted automatically.
Correct answer: Only matching records are shown, but the database is not changed.

Additional material

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