Lesson Title: A Tour of Europe - Creating a Database
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts
Technology Strand: Database
Grade Level: 6
 
Essential Question: How can technology help people to access, analyze, and synthesize information?
 
A Activity Summary This lesson is an extension of Lessons 1 and 2 in the A Tour of Europe lesson series. In this lesson, students will take collected data and transform it into a searchable database.
C Curriculum English Language Arts
2.01 Explore informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by restating or summarizing information.
6.02 Identify and edit errors in spoken and written English by producing final drafts that demonstrate accurate spelling and the correct use of punctuation and capitalization.
T Technology Database
1.05 Recognize and discuss how and why databases are used to collect, organize, and analyze information in a variety of settings.
3.02 Plan and develop database reports to organize, explain, and display findings in content areas as class/group.  
 
Activating Strategies
Approximate Time: 10 minutes
Overview:
While students may already be familiar with database applications, it is important to redefine the function and purpose of a database in relation to this lesson. In order to activate students' prior knowledge of databases and to add additional knowledge to their prior experiences, it is recommended that a Concept/Definition Map be used. In this map, the concept/definition of a database will be established by placing databases into a category classification, listing properties of databases, and providing illustrative example of databases. The attached resource file (map.doc) provides an example as well as a blank blackline master for duplication.
Directions:
1. Print out and make a transparency copy of the blank maps (map.doc).
2. Write the word "Database" in the center of the blank concept/definition map and let students know that they will be assisting you in filling out the map.
3. Ask students to recall what they already know about databases and to come up with a classification or category for "database." Place their answer in the "What is it?" box.
4. Ask students "What is a database like?". Place the properties they list in the four boxes on the right hand side of the map.
5. Finally, ask students to brainstorm examples of databases they use or have knowledge of. Place these illustrations in the three bottom boxes on the map.
6. You may share the "Teacher Example" if students are unable to generate enough information to fill the concept map.
Tips: If students do not understand how a concept/definition map works, you might want to model it by first using a concept/word that is very familiar to them like "cats" or "dogs."
 
Technology Vocabulary: Database Vocabulary
Detailed Technology Instructions: Microsoft Works for Windows Database Instructions
 
Cognitive Teaching Strategies
Approximate Time: 20 minutes
Overview:
Once students have reviewed the definition and concept of a database, they are ready to take their collected information and place it into a new database. Students will first be creating a database shell, complete with field names. Following, they will input data collected for their country into the database.
Directions:
1. Have students bring their collected data with them to the computer lab. If they have participated in Parts 1 and 2 of the A Tour of Europe lesson series, this information will be on their data sheet.
2. Model for students how to open up a new database and add fields. After showing how to add 2-3 fields, allow students to begin creating their database shell.
3. Once their shells are complete, students should begin entering data into their database.
4. If time permits, or in a second part of this same lesson, allow students to enter other students' data by rotating data sheets every 6-8 minutes. This will allow each student the opportunity to enter data for multiple records and to practice their word processing skills.
 
Summary Strategies
Approximate Time: 15 minutes
Overview:
To reinforce the concept and definition of "database," use the Four-Box Synectics resource attached (fourbox.doc). In this activity, students will be using critical thinking skills to test their understanding of the database application.
Directions:
1. Hand out copies of the Four Box Synectics worksheet to students.
2. Have them place the word "Database" in the center.
3. In each of the quadrants, have students place one of the following four words: secretary, dresser, library, middle school student. For a more interesting activity, have students empty their pockets and put one object in each quadrant!
4. Students are then told to complete the sentence: "A database is like a (word/object from each quadrant) because..." They should write a sentence for the word/object in each quadrant in the quadrant itself. Examples: "A database is like a secretary because it keeps you organized." "A database is like a library because it stores a lot of information in an orderly fashion."
5. Using the remaining time, have students share some of their sentences. The sharing is important as it helps all students understand the concept/definition of a database from different perspectives. This will also allow students to correct each others' misunderstandings of databases.
 
Resources
Click for directions on how to download files on a Windows computer. 
Concept/Definition Map (map.doc)
Four Box Synectics (fourbox.doc)
Student collected data on European countries
Computer Lab

Microsoft Word Files
map.doc
fourbox.doc
 
 
Re-teaching and Enrichment Activities
Follow up this lesson with the lesson: European Database - Finding Information. In the next lesson, students will be using a European Countries database to further practice their skills accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information.
You might also allow/encourage students to design database shells for other sets of information. These additional databases could be curriculum related or of personal interest to the students (CD collections, movie collections, friends/relatives, etc.)
Follow up this lesson with the lesson: European Database - Finding Information.

The concept for this lesson plan was submitted by
Amy  Holcombe
Prescott Technology Center, Data last modified: 1/14/2002