Data concept:
Band:
Suggested year level:
Relevant content description:
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Collecting, managing and analysing data
3-4
Year 3
Collect, access and present different types of data using simple software to create information and solve problems (ACTDIP009)
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To tie in with a Science study about how living things can be grouped on the basis of observable features and can be distinguished from non-living things (ACSSU044), students develop a collaborative database about Australian animals and use this database to find information to create a short video documentary about Australian animals.
Students can use Airtable to create the database for this project.
Students can use Airtable to create the database for this project.
Airtable is a simple database tool that can be used on both laptops and tablets.
What is a database?
A database is a collection of data, usually stored in a computer, that is organised in a way that makes it easier to retrieve the information. Each item in the database is called a "record", and the types of information held in the records are called "fields".
Trading cards (such as collectable cards from supermarkets, or Pokemon cards) are very popular with this age group and can be a useful introduction to databases. Each trading card is a record and the kinds of information (such as the names, points and powers) are the fields. On the trading cards, the data might be stored as text, numbers, images, or symbols.
Students are each given a card and then asked to physically "sort themselves" according to different fields shown on the cards, e.g. by Pokemon type (fire, water etc) or in order of health points (HP). (This idea was adapted from an idea by J Patel shared on TeachingIdeas.co.uk)
Students then use a form shared by the teacher through Airtable to add information from their trading card to an electronic database. The teacher demonstrates how the electronic database can be used to sort and filter the data.
A database is a collection of data, usually stored in a computer, that is organised in a way that makes it easier to retrieve the information. Each item in the database is called a "record", and the types of information held in the records are called "fields".
Trading cards (such as collectable cards from supermarkets, or Pokemon cards) are very popular with this age group and can be a useful introduction to databases. Each trading card is a record and the kinds of information (such as the names, points and powers) are the fields. On the trading cards, the data might be stored as text, numbers, images, or symbols.
Students are each given a card and then asked to physically "sort themselves" according to different fields shown on the cards, e.g. by Pokemon type (fire, water etc) or in order of health points (HP). (This idea was adapted from an idea by J Patel shared on TeachingIdeas.co.uk)
Students then use a form shared by the teacher through Airtable to add information from their trading card to an electronic database. The teacher demonstrates how the electronic database can be used to sort and filter the data.
Building a database together
Students are invited as collaborators to an Airtable database pre-populated with the names of many Australian Animal species. Each student (or pair) is assigned an animal to research. They need to locate various data, including some text, numbers and an image for their assigned animal species.
Students are invited as collaborators to an Airtable database pre-populated with the names of many Australian Animal species. Each student (or pair) is assigned an animal to research. They need to locate various data, including some text, numbers and an image for their assigned animal species.
Fact Finding
After this data has been curated in the database, the students are shown how to sort and filter the data to answer some questions about Australian animals. Encourage students to find different solutions to filtering and sorting to locate the required information, and to explain their solutions. |
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Making a mini-documentary
Students use the information in the database to create a short documentary about Australian Animals using iMovie or Green Screen by Do Ink.
Students use the information in the database to create a short documentary about Australian Animals using iMovie or Green Screen by Do Ink.