1 Using Databases in the curriculum

2 When can database use begin? 3 rd or 4 th grade –use the sort function & 1 filter; or enter data in a ready-made database. 3 rd or 4 th grade –use the sort function & 1 filter; or enter data in a ready-made database. 5 th grade - use 2 filters to do simple analysis, create a simple database 5 th grade - use 2 filters to do simple analysis, create a simple database 6 th or 7 th grade - use several filters, do more detailed analysis of filtered data, & create simple reports. 6 th or 7 th grade - use several filters, do more detailed analysis of filtered data, & create simple reports.

3 Teachers can use databases with students to … Introduce a new concept Introduce a new concept Find important facts Find important facts Analyze data and form conclusions Analyze data and form conclusions Review for a test Review for a test Create data for mail merge documents Create data for mail merge documents *Use a ready-made database or have students create the database

4 Suggested Database Topics Social Studies Topics Geography – World & USA Geography – World & USA History – Events in world or US history History – Events in world or US history Wars (Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II Wars (Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II Famous people: Presidents, Inventors, Explorers, etc.) Famous people: Presidents, Inventors, Explorers, etc.)

5 Science & Health Topics Animals – Endangered species Animals – Endangered species Sea Life – animals & plants Sea Life – animals & plants Gardening – find the right flower for your garden Gardening – find the right flower for your garden Periodic Table Periodic Table Diseases – have students diagnose patients, find genetic diseases Diseases – have students diagnose patients, find genetic diseases Body systems Body systems Nutrition Nutrition

6 Students can create individual files listing … Important current events Important current events Books they have read Books they have read Vocabulary words Vocabulary words Personal items (such as baseball cards, Beannie Babies, etc.) Personal items (such as baseball cards, Beannie Babies, etc.) Note cards for a research paper Note cards for a research paper

7 Students can create a class database.

8 Steps to follow when creating a database for use in the curriculumPlan 1. Choose curriculum concepts to be taught. 2. Determine the amount of time available. 3. Decide how the database will be used (introduce a lesson, as a major review, etc.) 4. Write questions you want students to answer (simple scavenger hunt or analytical questions).

9 Build the database with the students 5. With students brainstorm to determine fields needed to teach a concept. 6. Make sure there is adequate data for research. 7. Have each student research one record. 8. Build the database & have students use it.

10 Administrative Uses of Databases Grade book that can be used in a mail merge Grade book that can be used in a mail merge Teaching tool to teach grammar concepts using mail merge (i.e. create your own mad libs) Teaching tool to teach grammar concepts using mail merge (i.e. create your own mad libs) Student lists for personal or classroom use (who turned in permission slips, student birthdays etc.) Student lists for personal or classroom use (who turned in permission slips, student birthdays etc.) Part of student portfolio (book logs) Part of student portfolio (book logs)