Collecting data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can collect data and organise it in a spreadsheet.
Key learning points
- We can collect data about the what happens in the world around us.
- Data that is organised is easier to understand.
- Tables can be used to organise data in rows with each value described by labelled column headings.
- A spreadsheet is a tool on a computer that can be used to organise recorded data.
Keywords
Data - facts and figures in their raw form
Row - a line of data in a table that runs horizontally
Column - a group of data in a table that runs vertically
Spreadsheet - an electronic document that stores data arranged in rows and columns
Common misconception
When data is being recorded, if the person recording knows what each value represents, column labels are not needed.
Column labels are important to make the data clear and easy to understand for everyone, even if the person recording it knows what it means.
Teacher tip
Use props to help pupils generate data to record in a spreadsheet. Pupils will benefit from applying computing knowledge to situations they observe in the world around them.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with spreadsheet software. Examples in this lesson use Google Sheets https://oak.link/google-sheets
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What tool do you use to type information on a computer?
Q2.What tool do you use to select objects on a computer screen?
Q3.Which application is used for writing documents?
Q4.What is a calculator used for?
Q5.Which of these is a way of organising information?
Q6.What is one way to collect data?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What can we collect data about?
Q2.What is a spreadsheet used for?
Q3.What is a column in a table?
Q4.What is a line of data running horizontally called?
Q5.Why are column labels important in a table?
Q6.Put these actions in the order they should be done:
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Collecting data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Collecting data, 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 Introduction to spreadsheets unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.