SQL searches
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use SQL to retrieve data from a relational 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 SELECT statement allows you to retrieve data from a database.
- The SQL SELECT * statement allows you to return all the data and fields from a table.
Keywords
SELECT - allows you to retrieve data from a database
SELECT * - allows you to return all the columns from a database table
Common misconception
Using SELECT * is always the best method for returning data from a database table.
You should only use the SELECT * query when all fields are needed. Including unnecessary data can be frustrating for the person viewing and working with the results.
Teacher tip
This lesson can be completed without using a DBMS, but pupils could complete the activities practically using MySQL. Modelling concepts using software helps pupils appreciate why they are learning particular concepts.
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
5 Questions
Q1.What is SQL mainly used for?
Q2.Which of these is NOT a function of SQL?
Q3.What does the acronym SQL stand for?
Q4.Match the example to the correct keyword
INSERT
UPDATE
Database
SQL
Q5.Arrange these actions for adding data to a table:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the SQL SELECT statement do?
Q2.What SQL command would you use to return every field and all data from a table at once?
Q3.Match each SQL keyword or clause to its function:
retrieve data from a database
retrieve all columns and rows from a table
specify which table to get data from
filter results to match certain criteria
Q4.Arrange these actions for using SELECT * in a database:
Q5.Which of these is the best practice when you only need a few fields from a table?
Q6.Which SQL statement is used to retrieve data from more than one table?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: SQL searches, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: SQL searches, 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.