Database Basics

What is a Database? A database is a powerful tool that helps you manage large collections of information. You can use a database to store, sort, and easily find information. They are classified according to the relationships which can be created among various files and table. A simple database is known as a "flat-file" database, and a more complex database is called a relational database. Databases allow users to store, organize, and query information by keywords. Database construction requires classification and organization skills, and encourages students to think with careful attention to details. Parts of a Database The diagram at the right illustrates the component parts of a database table. The table serves as a holding area for the specific data on each record found in the database. A record is the combined information in every category or field for a single entry. For example, in this picture the fields include STATE, CAPITAL, POPULATION, CITY,LARGE and CLIMATE. Together, the information for the state of Alabama represents one record. The records for all 50 states combine to create the table. Instructional Tasks Students may access databases of information as they conduct research, or they might create their own databases, discovering many patterns connecting the data Administrative Tasks The database is an effective way to organize information Dictionary Encyclopedia Thesaurus Presidents Countries States Flowers Nutrition Sports Solar System Animals Elements Inventions Parts of Speech Mathematical Formula Shapes Colors Rocks and Minerals Explorers Scientists Student information Inventory Book Collections Lesson Plans Professional Development Record SOL Guest Speaker Files Data for specific Units Image Collections References for Research Example of Using Databases in Instruction An Animal Database This activity was developed and implemented in a geography class in an urban school but could also be employed as a science project. The teacher began the unit by asking his ninth grade geography class to list the various birds and animals they noticed in the vicinity of the school. After students listed what they knew, the teacher mentioned several other species that were found in the neighborhood, none of which the students had ever seen. Students were then given the task of creating a database, complete with text and photographs, of all fauna within a five-mile radius of the school.  Through newspapers, phone interviews, and the Internet, students contacted such organizations as The Audubon Society, their state's Parks and Wildlife Department, and local conservancy groups. Once they had assembled their list of fauna, the students again used library and Internet resources to come up with characteristics and photographs of these birds and animals. After gathering all of their information, groups were reassigned according to the parts of the database (birds, mammals, reptiles) they wanted to construct. The database was developed and put on-line. The class as a whole discussed their new birds and animal findings and the importance of cataloguing such information.  This technology-rich project cast the students as explorers. The lesson focused on an area that held meaning for them--their school's neighborhood--and built upon the students' prior knowledge about the urban ecosystem. Once the exercise was completed, students could see where they had begun and how much they had learned in their construction of knowledge about the urban animal ecosystem. The use of such technology as the telephone and Internet allowed greater access to real-world resources and experts, such as local nature groups, while the database software and the Internet allowed student information to be disseminated to a much broader audience than their immediate classmates. Sample Online Databases for Use in Instruction The most common databases in classroom use include the dictionary and the encyclopedia. Either of these may be found in print form, on CD Rom, or accessed as an online database. RefDesk http://www.refdesk.com/ Ad*Access - A database of pictures http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/adaccess/ Animal Bytes http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/index.htm Digital History http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/ Primary Documents http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/PrimDocsHome.html Creating a Database File Using Microsoft Access If necessary, launch the program by clicking the “Start” menu, then “Programs,” then “Microsoft Access.” Click “Blank Access Database,” then [OK]. Give your file a name and make sure you’re saving it to the right destination. Click [Create]. Make sure that the “Tables” button is selected. Click [New]. Double-click “Create table in Design view.” Enter your first Field Name and press [Enter], then [Enter] to leave it as a text field, then [Enter] again. Repeat for all of your fields. When you’ve finished defining the fields, go to the “View” menu and select “Datasheet View.” Click [Yes] when asked if you want to save. You can use the name “Table 1” or type in another name, if you prefer. When asked about a primary key, click [No]. Fill in the information for each of your records, pressing [Tab] to move from field to field and from record to record. When you’ve entered all of your data, go to the “File” menu and select “Close” to close your table without exiting the program. Click the “Reports” button, then double-click “Create report by using wizard.” If necessary, select your table from the dropdown menu on the next screen. Click the [>>] button to include all of your fields in the report. Click [Next], then [Next] again. From the dropdown menu, select the field you want to use to sort your data. Click [Next], then [Next] again. Select a style for your report. Click [Next]. Title your database, including your own first and last name. Click [Finish] Your final report is available for printing or simply for viewing on the computer monitor! Access is a powerful tool for organizing information and discovering powerful relationships using the data collected. Enjoy discovering how this tool can help your students complete activities which involve higher order thinking skills.