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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain that tools can be used to select specific data.

      Key learning points

      1. 'AND' and 'OR' can help to narrow or widen searches in a database.
      2. Fields and values can be used to answer questions.
      3. Questions can be answered by using multiple pieces of information.

      Keywords

      • AND - used in a search to find records that match all the given criteria

      • OR - used in a search to find records that match at least one of the given criteria

      Common misconception

      Using ‘AND’ produces more results than a search with a single condition.

      ‘AND’ reduces the number of results because it narrows the search to records that meet all the given conditions.

      Teacher tip

      Familiarise yourself with the j2data sample databases ahead of the lesson to confidently model how to use search and filter tools.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device with database software. Examples in this lesson use J2E database https://oak.link/database

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the term 'criteria' mean in the context of data?

      type of databases
      Correct answer: rules used to search or sort data
      specific pieces of data
      ways to group data

      Q2.
      What process organises data values in a specific order, such as alphabetical or numerical?

      Correct Answer: Sort, Sorting

      Q3.
      Arrange the steps for sorting data in descending order in the correct sequence.

      1 - Go to the table view.
      2 - Click on the field name.
      3 - Click on the field name again to sort in descending order.
      4 - View the sorted list.

      Q4.
      Why might grouping and sorting be combined?

      to delete data
      to create a new database
      to group unrelated data
      Correct answer: to answer specific questions

      Q5.
      Match the keywords to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:search,to look for specific information in a database using a rule

      to look for specific information in a database using a rule

      Correct Answer:sort,to arrange data values in a specific order

      to arrange data values in a specific order

      Correct Answer:data,information that is stored, processed or analysed

      information that is stored, processed or analysed

      Correct Answer:database,a structured collection of data

      a structured collection of data

      Q6.
      What does it mean when you sort data?

      Correct answer: to put data in a specific order
      to categorise data for easier analysis
      to display only the records that match a condition

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which operator is used to narrow a search by requiring all conditions to be met?

      Correct Answer: AND

      Q2.
      Which operator is used in a search to find records that meet at least one of the given criteria?

      Correct Answer: OR

      Q3.
      Why is it useful to use both AND and OR in a search?

      to delete unwanted records
      to create a new database
      Correct answer: to answer more specific questions
      to sort data in order

      Q4.
      Which of the following searches correctly uses the AND operator to narrow results?

      Find students in Year 5 and Year 6.
      Find all students in the database.
      Find students in Year 5 or who play football.
      Correct answer: Find students in Year 5 and who play football.

      Q5.
      Match the keywords to their definitions.

      Correct Answer:AND,finds records meeting all given criteria

      finds records meeting all given criteria

      Correct Answer:OR,finds records meeting any criteria

      finds records meeting any criteria

      Correct Answer:field,a single category of information

      a single category of information

      Correct Answer:value,content stored in a field

      content stored in a field

      Q6.
      What happens when you use the AND operator in a search?

      Correct answer: It narrows the search to find records that meet all given criteria.
      It produces more results than a search with a single condition.
      It has no effect on the number of results.
      It deletes records that do not meet any given criteria.

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