DATA INFORMATION

Keywords

• Data• Process/ed• Information• Database• Computerised database• Paper-based database• Advantages• Disadvantages

Lesson Objectives

• To understand what data is and how it is used (i.e. generate information)

• To understand what information is • To be able to identify and discuss what a database is

and its purposes (i.e. store data, manipulate and generate information)

• To identify the advantages and disadvantages of paper-based and computerised databases

Starter: CAN YOU UNSCRAMBLE THESE WORDS?

• ADAT

• MIOFNRATNIO

• SEBATADA

• PCDUMOTEREIS

What is data?

Data is words, dates, numbers or images collected about a location or object.

What kind of data do you think the numbers below represent?

Linda: 23011999, 14, 34

Andrew: 05082001, 13, 33

Cynthia: 16031998, 15, 38

Name, Date of birth, Age, Shoe size

What is information?

Information is data that has been processed to be useful and meaningful.

To change data into information we have to place it in context and provide answers to who, what, where and when questions.

QuizData or Information?

12

Data or Information?

Data or Information?

Data or Information?

What is a database?

A database is like a library – it stores pieces of information called a record.

It is a collection of data that is structured – so that its contents can be accessed, managed, updated and presented.

Questions

• How many of you have ever kept details of your friends’ or family’s birthdays in a birthday book?

• How many of you have written your friends’ addresses into an address book?

• How many of you have a copy of the Yellow Pages at home?

• What is the difference between computerised and paper-based databases

Can you think of examples ofpaper-based databases?

These examples are of paper-based databases. However, when we use the term 'database' we generally think of a computerised database.

In pairs, think of some advantages of paper-based databases

• Inexpensive to set up• Don’t need electricity, so you can record data

even if there is a power-cut• Don’t need a computer – which is expensive

In pairs, think of some disadvantages of paper-based databases

Can be lost or damaged

It is not easy to make back-up copies

Hard to update or make changes

Card systems can get in a muddle if cards not replaced in the correct order

Can take a while to search for a particular record

Can you think of a few examples of computerised databases?

Here are two examples used by the museum

Computerised databases

In order to find the right websites, search engines need a vast computerised database which they search using your entered keywords.

Museum databases These contain records for every object in the museums’ collections.

Think of some advantages for computerised databases

• Can easily make back-up copies• Can easily make changes • Can easily sort data into order e.g.

alphabetically• Can search for particular records very

quickly• Can import or export data to/from other

packages

Think of some disadvantages of computerised databases

• Can be lost or damaged• Can be expensive to set up if you have to get

a professional to make it• If there is a power-cut, you can’t use it

(unless of course the battery is charged)• You need to have a computer

Database case study

We can search a database to find the information we are looking for.

What kind of information do you think your school database has about you?

Research task

In a Word document, explain how the following professions and organisations use databases:

•Doctors

•Schools

•Libraries

•Museums

PlenaryLet’s play dominoes

• Working in pairs– You have each been given a card with a

question on one half and an answer on the other. Is the answer given true or false? Explain your answer.

Homework

• Take a look at the Museum of London's Collections

online database.

http://collections.museumoflondon.org.uk/Online/

Select any object and list four different

types of information that are recorded about it. © Museum of London 2014. The Museum cannot take responsibility for edited content.