Year 5 Computing
Flat-file databases
This unit looks at how a flat-file database can be used to organise data in records. Pupils use tools within a database to order and answer questions about data. They create graphs and charts from their data to help solve problems. They use a real-life database to answer a question, and present their work to others.
To use a form to record information
To compare paper and computer-based databases
To outline how grouping and then sorting data allows us to answer questions
To explain that tools can be used to select specific data
To explain that computer programs can be used to compare data visually
To apply my knowledge of a database to ask and answer real-world questions
I can create multiple questions about the same field
- I can explain how information can be recorded
- I can order, sort, and group my data cards
- I can choose which field to sort data by to answer a given question
- I can explain what a ‘field’ and a ‘record’ is in a database
- I can navigate a flat-file database to compare different views of information
I can combine grouping and sorting to answer more specific questions
- I can explain how information can be grouped
- I can group information to answer questions
- I can choose multiple criteria to answer a given question
- I can choose which field and value are required to answer a given question
- I can outline how ‘AND’ and ‘OR’ can be used to refine data selection
- I can explain the benefits of using a computer to create graphs
- I can refine a chart by selecting a particular filter
- I can select an appropriate chart to visually compare data
- I can ask questions that will need more than one field to answer
- I can present my findings to a group
- I can refine a search in a real-world context
Session 1 Paper based databases
In the first lesson, pupils create a paper version of a record card database. Using a card template, they create a data set, with each pupil creating eight to ten cards linked to a theme, eg animals. They complete records for each of the animals in their database and then physically sort the cards to answer questions about the data.
To use a form to record information
To compare paper and computer-based database.
I can create multiple questions about the same field
- I can explain how information can be recorded
- I can order, sort, and group my data cards
- I can choose which field to sort data by to answer a given question
- I can explain what a ‘field’ and a ‘record’ is in a database
- I can navigate a flat-file database to compare different views of information
Pupil’s work
Pupil Voice: I really enjoyed making these cards about the different animals.
Homework based on lesson 1
A paper based database for different films.
Session 2
Computer databases
In this lesson, pupils use a computer-based database to examine how data can be recorded and viewed. They learn that a database consists of ‘records’, and that each record contains ‘fields’. In addition, they will order records in different ways and compare this database to the paper database they created in lesson 1.
To compare paper and computer-based databases
To outline how grouping and then sorting data allows us to answer questions
I can create multiple questions about the same field
- I can explain how information can be recorded
- I can order, sort, and group my data cards
- I can choose which field to sort data by to answer a given question
- I can explain what a ‘field’ and a ‘record’ is in a database
- I can navigate a flat-file database to compare different views of information
Session 3
Using a database
In this lesson, pupils investigate how records can be grouped, using both the paper record cards created in lesson 1 and a computer based database from J2E. They use ‘grouping’ and ‘sorting’ to answer questions about the data.
To outline how grouping and then sorting data allows us to answer questions
I can combine grouping and sorting to answer more specific questions
- I can explain how information can be grouped
- I can group information to answer questions
Pupil Voice: I enjoyed this lesson because we found out some interesting facts I didn’t know before.
Session 4.
Using search tools
In this lesson, pupils develop their search techniques to answer questions about the data. They use advanced techniques to search for more than one field, and practise doing this through both unplugged methods (without using computers), and using a computer database.
To explain that tools can be used to select specific data
- I can choose multiple criteria to answer a given question
- I can choose which field and value are required to answer a given question
- I can outline how ‘AND’ and ‘OR’ can be used to refine data selection
Session 5
Comparing data visually
In this lesson, pupils consider what makes a useful chart, and how charts can be used to compare data. They create charts from their data in order to answer questions about it.
To explain that computer programs can be used to compare data visually
I can explain the benefits of using a computer to create graphs
- I can refine a chart by selecting a particular filter
- I can select an appropriate chart to visually compare data
Session 6
Databases in real life
The final lesson requires pupils to use a real-life database to ask questions and find answers in the context of a flight search based on set parameters. They take on the role of a travel agent and present their findings, showing how they arrived at their chosen options. Presentations may be given between groups of pupils, or by each group to the whole class, depending on the time available.
To apply my knowledge of a database to ask and answer real-world questions
- I can ask questions that will need more than one field to answer
- I can present my findings to a group
- I can refine a search in a real-world context
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