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Year 11
OCR

Big data

I can explain what big data is and describe the challenges it creates for processing and storage.

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New
New
Year 11
OCR

Big data

I can explain what big data is and describe the challenges it creates for processing and storage.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Big data refers to extremely large and complex sets of data that are generated at high speed and come in many formats.
  2. It is often categorised using the 3 Vs: volume, variety, and velocity.
  3. Storing big data is difficult and often needs cloud systems.
  4. Processing big data takes a lot of time and computing power.
  5. Big data raises security and privacy concerns due to the amount of personal data.

Keywords

  • Big data - data that is too large and complex to be dealt with by traditional processing methods and systems

  • Volume - the total amount of data stored, processed, and transmitted, typically measured in bytes

  • Variety - the diverse range of data types and formats

  • Velocity - the speed at which data is created, processed, and analysed

Common misconception

Big data can be stored in normal data strcutures like relational databases.

Big data is mostly unstructured, so it doesn't fit the row-and-column format of relational databases.


To help you plan your year 11 computer science lesson on: Big data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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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.
Why might a company use a database instead of a paper filing cabinet?
to decorate the office
to keep data in one place only
Correct answer: to store and search large amounts of information easily
to make data harder to find
Q2.
Which of the following is a risk if personal data is not protected in a database?
The database will get bigger.
The computer will run faster.
More people will use the database.
Correct answer: People’s details could be stolen.
Q3.
What is the process called when details that could identify individuals are removed from a dataset?
Correct Answer: Anonymisation, Anonymised, Anonymise
Q4.
Match the term to its description:
Correct Answer:audit,a check to ensure data is managed correctly

a check to ensure data is managed correctly

Correct Answer:encryption,turning data into unreadable code

turning data into unreadable code

Correct Answer:user access controls,limiting who can use or change data

limiting who can use or change data

Correct Answer:anonymisation,Removing details that identify people

Removing details that identify people

Q5.
What is a possible consequence for an organisation that breaks data regulations?
They will get more customers.
Correct answer: They may face legal penalties or fines.
Their data will be more secure.
Their computers will work faster.
Q6.
Put these steps in order for protecting data in a new database:
1 - Decide who should have access
2 - Set up user accounts and passwords.
3 - Encrypt sensitive information.
4 - Carry out regular audits.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword to its meaning:
Correct Answer:big data,data too large and complex for traditional systems

data too large and complex for traditional systems

Correct Answer:volume,total amount of data

total amount of data

Correct Answer:variety,different types and formats of data

different types and formats of data

Correct Answer:velocity,speed of data creation and processing

speed of data creation and processing

Q2.
Why is storing big data challenging?
It is too colourful.
It is always in one format.
It is only used by small companies.
Correct answer: It is too large for normal systems.
Q3.
Which of the following is NOT one of the 3 Vs of big data?
volume
variety
velocity
Correct answer: value
Q4.
Put these steps in order for handling big data:
1 - Collect data from many sources.
2 - Store data in the cloud.
3 - Protect data for privacy and security.
4 - Process and analyse the data.
Q5.
Why are cloud systems often used for big data?
They are slower than traditional systems.
Correct answer: They offer more storage and processing power.
They use less electricity.
They only work for small files.
Q6.
Which statement about storing big data is correct?
Big data easily fits into traditional row-and-column databases.
Correct answer: Big data is mostly unstructured and needs special storage solutions.
All big data is stored as handwritten notes.
Big data is too small to need special storage.