In this unit children learn to use and create branching databases to sort and classify information.
Children will be introduced to 'yes/no' questions which separate a set of objects into two sub-sets. They are shown how to search and create branching databases.
Children will apply what they have learnt in this unit when classifying plants and animals in science.
Where this unit fits in
This unit builds on Unit 3B 'Introduction to databases'. The unit assumes that children can divide sets of objects into sub-sets.
Technical vocabulary
- branch
- a variety of objects for 'keying out', such as labelled rocks, pictures of plants, household objects
- a branching database with a prepared data file of one of the above
Sounds
Video
DATABASES(primary resources)
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/ict/ict2.htm
Online Resources- for Pupils:
Objectives:
key idea: that 'yes/no' questions can be used to divide a set of objects into sub-sets and that a sequence of 'yes/no' questions can identify an object
key idea: that a tree diagram can be used to organise information
technique: to search a branching database
QCA-ACTIVITIES:key idea: that a tree diagram can be used to organise information
technique: to search a branching database
- to use a branching database to organise, reorganise and analyse information
Section 1: SETTING THE SCENE
Show the class a selection of about 15 similar objects, such as household objects. Tell the class that you are thinking of one of the objects and that they must work out which one it is by asking 'yes/no' questions, such as, is it made of plastic? Discuss which questions work well and point out that questions about small numbers of objects are unhelpful if the answer is no. Encourage them to use questions which divide the set of objects into two.
Section 2: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Show the class how to create a tree diagram of branching questions which can be used to identify each object.
Divide the class into groups and give each group a set of eight pictures. Ask them to create a tree diagram that can identify each picture uniquely.
Section 3: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Prepare a branching database of rocks. Show the children how to search the branching database to identify specimens of rock. Give pairs of children a rock specimen and ask them to use the branching database to identify it.
Section 4: INTEGRATED TASK
Demonstrate how to create a branching database. Place various musical instruments in front of the children, and discuss their similarities and differences. Label each instrument with its name as it is discussed. Then ask the children to work in groups to create a branching database that identifies each instrument. Ask each group to test the others' databases.
Expectations
most children will: develop and search a branching database
some children will not have made so much progress and will: search a branching database
some children will have progressed further and will: develop and search a branching database using efficient criteria
Assessment
2Simple 2Assess
Activities by QCA- Transport graph, Freetime graph, Animals, Cooling curve, Music Graph
Show the class a selection of about 15 similar objects, such as household objects. Tell the class that you are thinking of one of the objects and that they must work out which one it is by asking 'yes/no' questions, such as, is it made of plastic? Discuss which questions work well and point out that questions about small numbers of objects are unhelpful if the answer is no. Encourage them to use questions which divide the set of objects into two.
Section 2: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Show the class how to create a tree diagram of branching questions which can be used to identify each object.
Divide the class into groups and give each group a set of eight pictures. Ask them to create a tree diagram that can identify each picture uniquely.
Section 3: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Prepare a branching database of rocks. Show the children how to search the branching database to identify specimens of rock. Give pairs of children a rock specimen and ask them to use the branching database to identify it.
Section 4: INTEGRATED TASK
Demonstrate how to create a branching database. Place various musical instruments in front of the children, and discuss their similarities and differences. Label each instrument with its name as it is discussed. Then ask the children to work in groups to create a branching database that identifies each instrument. Ask each group to test the others' databases.
Expectations
most children will: develop and search a branching database
some children will not have made so much progress and will: search a branching database
some children will have progressed further and will: develop and search a branching database using efficient criteria
Assessment
2Simple 2Assess
Activities by QCA- Transport graph, Freetime graph, Animals, Cooling curve, Music Graph
