Step 1:Introduction to a Database

Definition: A database is a collection of information held together in an organised manner.

For example: A library could be classed as a database as it holds a collection of books. But, here we are referring to the use of a computer holding information.

When facts are put into a database we can search it to find specific information.

Can you name the most commonly used database in the world ? ………….Check your answer here:

We are now going to go on the internet and look at some sites that use databases.

www.rightmove.co.ukwww.autotrader.co.uk

Your task will be to run a search on the sites and evaluate their usability.

www.rightmove.co.uk Task 1

1. Choose your location.

3. Search within a 5 mile radius.

2. Choose a Property type.

4. Type in your price range.

5. Type in the minimum number of bedrooms.

6. Click on Find properties.

Complete the evaluation form called Rightmove Evaluation (see resources section).

www.autotrader.co.uk Task 2

1. Type in your schools full postcode.

2. Type in the distance you are willing to travel to look at the car.

3. Select the Make of car.

4. Select the Model.

5. Choose your Price Minimum and Maximum.

6. Click on Search cars.

You can use the example above or create your own search criteria.

Complete the evaluation form called Autotrader Evaluation (see resources section).

Which of the sites did you find easiest to use?

Which of the sites gave you the information you wanted in the fewest number of steps?

Can you think of any other websites that use databases?

Class Evaluation of Rightmove and Autotrader

Step 2: Introducing Microsoft Access

The software we will be using to create a database is called Microsoft Access. It uses tables such as the one below.

Access databases are made up of Tables which contain:

Fields Records Different types of data A Primary Key

Tables: Databases store information in a table. A table allows you to see all of the information on the database.

Type of Table Type of Data

Pupil Information Name, Address, DOB

Pupil Attendance Days Absent, Days Attended, Reason for Absence, Days Late

Staff Information Name, Address, Phone Number, Qualifications

Below is an example of some of the tables that may be stored on a school database.

What other data can be added to the Pupil Information Table?

Records: Each table contains records and each record is the whole information about the subject.

This is the record for Monsters Inc.

Make a list the information can you see about Monsters Inc.

Field: A Field is one piece of information about the subject.

Make a list of the fields in this database?

Discuss what fields might you find on a school library database?

Type of Data: Different types of data can be entered into a database.

In this module we will be using text and number options.

We can enter numbers and text in the text option but in the number option we can only enter numerical data.

Can you think of a reason why we would enter a number in a text field?

Primary Key: Every record has a unique identifier, in Access this is called a Primary Key.

Every record is automatically given a primary key, for example: The movie Frozen is given the number 7, the number 7 can never appear more than once so the record therefore has a unique identifier, in this instance the number 7.

A unique identifier avoids confusion. It is something that can never be duplicated, so if there are two children in Year 5 with the same name i.e. Tom Jones then having a primary key in the pupil database will avoid any mix ups.

When we leave school we are given a National Insurance number for workOur passports also have a unique identifier on each page.All items in the Argos catalogue have a unique identifier.

Can you think of any other examples of where unique identifiers are used?