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Lesson Objectives Most people find the subject of Databases difficult to get to grips with. But for your Key Skills you don't have to know very much about how to create one, just the basics. The main thing you have to know is what a database is used for and how to get information out of it effectively. In these Lessons you should learn database key skills. Database - Key Skills The Key Skills that you will review are:
Practical Activities DB Activity 1 Before computers people still had databases, but obviously not on computer but on paper. In class we are going to create a manual database - create a RECORD of the colours that you like and dislike. This RECORD will have fields in it, and each field will contain information about one specific thing, i.e. someone's age. Even though you may think that you only need to ask two questions (e.g. What colour do you like? Which don't you like?) the RECORD will also need to include sufficient information to enable you to do the next activity! DB Activity 2 Collate the records for the class and then use it to find a) How many girls there are in the class b) How many boys say that they like red C) now sort the records into alphabetical order of first name What are your conclusions - Could you do this for 300 records?. DB Activity 3 Now open a computer based database created for a similar task. Open it up from its current location - click here for the on-line version. You will get a message that says that the file that you are opening is read only*. This is OK as you will be able to search for information but not add or amend the database. Once you have done this your tutor will show you round the database. Having done this open up the Question sheet and have a go at answering some questions to show how quickly you can find information in your database. Write the question number and your answer on a sheet of paper. Remember: don't close this window, pick up a question, minimise this screen and go to the database, answer it then come back to pick up the next question. The database referred to above is a Microsoft Access97 database. It is also possible to use Microsoft Excel as a database. If you have trouble opening the Access version, or would just like to have a go at this activity in another program (highly recommended if you have time!) click here for the Microsoft Excel version. Use the same question sheet but for guidance notes ask your tutor for a copy or view the Excel notes via the Notes link. *'Read only' documents can still be saved on your own disk or student drive - you may wish to make copies of these huge files for future practice. Apologies to anyone with a slow internet connection for the time it takes for these files to come down the phone line! DB Activity 4 Your chance to create a new database for your own survey. You will be shown how to create a new database, which looks a bit odd at first, because unlike the other software you have used, Microsoft Access makes you first say what you are going to call this database and asks you where you are going to keep it. Put it in you Key Skills folder. All the fields you need should be on your manual record. DB Activity 5 If time permits add some information into your database from the manual records created during the lesson. DB Activity 6 Now perform some searches on your own database. Print out your results and save them in your folder. Complete the Database Review sheet answering questions on a database.
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