1. Databases in the Class
Databases are structured stores of information they allow large amounts of information to be stored organised, sorted and searched.

2. The National Curriculum ICT programme of Study Finding thing out
Specifies at Key Stage 1 that pupils should be taught to:
gather information from a variety of sources [for example, people, books, databases, CD ROMs, videos and TV]
enter and store information in a variety of forms [for example, storing information in a prepared database, saving work]
retrieve information that has been stored [for example, using a CD ROM, loading saved work

3. And at Key stage 2
Pupils should be taught:
to talk about what information they need and how they can find and use it [for example, searching the internet or a CD ROM, using printed material, asking people]
how to prepare information for development using ICT, including selecting suitable sources, finding information, classifying it and checking it for accuracy [for example, finding information from books or newspapers, creating a class database, classifying by characteristics and purposes, checking the spelling of names is consistent]
to interpret information, to check it is relevant and reasonable and to think about what might happen if there were any errors or omissions

4. The ICT Scheme of Work
In Key Stage 1 data handling features in Unit 2C (finding information) and Unit 2E (Questions and answers)
In Key Stage 2 data handling features in Unit 3C (Introduction to databases, Unit 4C(Branching databases), Unit 4D(Collecting and presenting information : questionniares and pie charts), Unit 5B (Analysing Data and asking questions : using complex searches), Unit 5C(Evaluating information, checking accuracy and questioning plausibility), Unit 5D (Introduction to Spreadsheets), Unit 6B (Spreadsheet Modelling) and 6D - Using the internet to search large databases and to interpret information

5. What you need to know The types of databases used in school
The appropriate opportunities in which to teach data handling
The appropriate resources
Preparation of suitable resources
Exploration of the full range of data handling activities
Designed to facilitate learning about the processes and possibilities of data handling as well as the retrieval and manipulation of information
Links between related knowledge, skills and understanding
Skills to be able to model appropriate use of ICT
Be able to demonstrate and assist children to identify the correct data

6. Branching tree (binary)
Posing questions to be answered yes/no
Distinguishing between shapes, minibeasts, people in our class,, musical instruments for example
Progressive elimination, until one item is left

8. Key features of Branching tree databases
Supports sorting and classification
Support data-handling activities across a range of subject areas
Provides opportunities for developing and refining questioning techniques

9. Flatfile or tabular databases
Most familiar- one dimensional Can only see one record at a time (flatfile) or all records in a spreadsheet view (tabular
Card index file analogy
Comprises
records, arranged in
fields, holding
Data
Data is entered into a flatfile database through a form which resembles a questionnaire and prompts for data to be added to each field

12. Flatfile database
Support searching to retrieve information, e.g. the names of the children in the class with brown eyes
Support more sophisticated searching on two variables, e.g. the name of the insect that has wings and 6 legs
Supporting by field, e.g. the number of red cars in the school car park
Supporting sorting and ordering
Support data-handling activities across a range of subject areas
Provides opportunities for developing and refining searching and sorting techniques

13. Relational Complex structure Information tagged
Tagging interrelates data
Greater flexibility in interrogation
Features:
menus, indexes, keyword searching, hyperlinks

15. Practical Examples