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Combining and comparing data

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can combine data from different sources to find new information.

Key learning points

  1. Data can be combined from different datasets.
  2. Comparing data can help us notice new information we hadn't seen before.
  3. Patterns can appear when datasets are compared.

Keywords

  • Dataset - a collection of related data

  • Compare - look at two or more things to find similarities and differences

  • Conclusion - a decision reached using evidence

Common misconception

Each dataset should be used on its own.

Combining datasets can give a clearer understanding and provide us with new information we hadn't seen before.

Teacher tip

Model how to link names, times and places across datasets before students attempt the task independently.

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

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a data source?

a guess
a feeling
a colour
Correct answer: a zookeeper log

Q2.
Which data is most relevant for answering the question: When did Ruby leave her enclosure?

a cafe menu
Correct answer: a zookeeper log with times
a weather report
a visitor opinion

Q3.
What does relevant data do?

it makes the story interesting
it makes the data longer
Correct answer: it helps answer the question being asked
it changes the information

Q4.
If data is reliable, it can be __________.

Correct answer: trusted
ignored
guessed
changed

4 Questions

Q1.
Match each word to its definition.

Correct Answer:dataset,a collection of related data

a collection of related data

Correct Answer:compare,look at two or more things to find similarities and differences

look at two or more things to find similarities and differences

Correct Answer:conclusion,a decision reached using evidence

a decision reached using evidence

Q2.
What does it mean to compare datasets?

Correct answer: look at two or more datasets to find links
remove data
change the data

Q3.
Why might one dataset not tell the whole story?

because it is too long
because it is interesting
Correct answer: because it shows only part of the information
because it is colourful

Q4.
What helps us form a conclusion?

using only one dataset
ignoring some data
guessing quickly
Correct answer: combining evidence from multiple datasets

To help you plan your 3 digital literacy lesson on: Combining and comparing data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...