SS 2 First Term

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

Cognitive	i. Define a database and state why databases are used. ii. Describe the parts of a database. iii. Distinguish between a table, a record and a field. iv. Create, sort and filter a table in a database program.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Introduction to Databases in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Create a database with one table of pupils holding the fields pupil number, surname, forename, class and date of birth. ii. Set the data type of each field and set the pupil number as the primary key. iii. Enter ten records, then sort the table by surname and confirm the order. iv. Use a filter to show only the pupils in a given class and record the number shown.

Rationale: A database is an organised collection of related data stored so that it can be searched, sorted and retrieved quickly. Understanding meaning and Reason for Databases, parts of a Database, keys, Relationships and Design, using a Database Program helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 8, learners studied The Internet and Online Safety, including what the Internet Is, how Data Travels, services on the Internet. The knowledge from that week is used again in this lesson.

Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Introduction to Databases, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Senior Secondary Schools (SS 2); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology SS 2 First Term Notes (Week 9); First Term examination and Continuous Assessment question papers.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Stage/Step (Time)	Teacher's Activities	Student's Activities	Learning Points
Introduction 5 MINUTES	Welcomes learners, revises Week 8 (The Internet and Online Safety) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Introduction to Databases. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Introduction to Databases.	Connecting prior knowledge to Introduction to Databases.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers Meaning and Reason for Databases: A database is an organised collection of related data stored so that it can be searched, sorted and retrieved quickly. A file system stores data in separate files, which leads to duplication and to data that disagrees with itself. Covers Parts of a Database: A database system has three parts. The database itself is the collection of stored data.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Meaning and Reason for Databases" and related points.	Understanding: Meaning and Reason for Databases; Parts of a Database.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Keys, Relationships and Design: A foreign key is a field in one table that refers to the primary key of another table, and the link is called a relationship. A pupil table holds the name and address, an marks table holds the scores, and the pupil number links them.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Keys, Relationships and Design".	Understanding: Keys, Relationships and Design.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Using a Database Program: A database program is used to create a table, define the fields and their data types, and then enter the records. The data type is set for each field, such as text, number or date, and it decides what may be entered.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Using a Database Program" to the class.	Understanding: Using a Database Program.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Advantages and Precautions: The advantages of a database are that data is stored once, searches are fast, several users may work with the same data at once, security can control who sees what, and reports can be produced in any required format.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Advantages and Precautions".	Understanding: Advantages and Precautions.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Create a database with one table of pupils holding the fields pupil number, surname, forename, class and date of birth. (ii) Set the data type of each field and set the pupil number as the primary key. (iii) Enter ten records, then sort the table by surname and confirm the order. Moves round the class to check progress and correct unsafe or careless use.	Carry out the practical tasks individually or in pairs and record what they did in their notebooks.	Applying the lesson through hands-on practice.
Evaluation 3 MINUTES	Asks learners to: i. Define a database and state why databases are used. ii. Describe the parts of a database. iii. Distinguish between a table, a record and a field. iv. Create, sort and filter a table in a database program.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: meaning and Reason for Databases, parts of a Database, keys, Relationships and Design, using a Database Program, advantages and Precautions. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 10: Advanced Productivity Tools.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. Explain why storing pupil records in separate files leads to errors that a database avoids. ii. A school wants to use names as the primary key of a pupil table. Give two reasons this is a poor choice.