SQL fundamentals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create SQL queries to insert and update data stored in a database.
Key learning points
- SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a language used to communicate with a database.
- You can use SQL to manipulate databases and retrieve records.
- An SQL INSERT statement allows you to add data into pre-existing tables.
- An SQL UPDATE statement allows you to modify records.
- Existing records can be deleted from a table by using an SQL DELETE statement.
Keywords
SQL - Structured Query Language: declarative language designed for managing data held in a relational database management system
INSERT - an SQL INSERT statement allows you to add data into pre-existing tables
UPDATE - an SQL UPDATE statement allows you to modify records
Common misconception
You can delete data from a database using an SQL command without any consideration.
You should delete data using SQL commands carefully as data may be linked to other tables in the database.
Teacher tip
This lesson can be completed without using a DBMS, but pupils could complete the activities practically using MySQL.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device that can open a relational database and run SQL queries. Examples in this lesson use a database created using DB Browser for SQLite https://oak.link/sqlite
File needed for this lesson
dbMusic 120 KB (DB)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes an entity in a database context?
Q2.Which role is responsible for maintaining databases using a DBMS?
Q3.What does an ERD help you to do?
Q4.Which of these is NOT a function of a DBMS?
Q5.Arrange these from most general to most specific:
Q6.Match each database term to its correct description:
A collection of related data stored together, made up of tables
A set of data arranged in rows and columns within a database
A request to search for or retrieve specific information from data
A single category of data within a table, such as “Name”
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does SQL stand for?
Q2.Which SQL statement is used to add new data to a table?
Q3.What is the main purpose of the SQL UPDATE statement?
Q4.Why should you be careful when deleting data using SQL?
Q5.Match the example to the SQL statement used:
INSERT
UPDATE
DELETE
SELECT
Q6.What might happen if you delete a record without checking for links?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: SQL fundamentals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: SQL fundamentals, 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 4 computer science lessons from the Databases and SQL unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.