INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY 7 - 10
SAMPLE OPTION TOPIC PROGRAM BASED ON
IST: WARE ET AL
OPTION 3: DATABASE DESIGN
TEXT: Chapter 3 Database design
Suggested time: 80 periods
Syllabus outcomes:
5.2.1 describes and applies problem-solving processes when creating solutions
5.2.2 designs, produces and evaluates appropriate solutions to a range of challenging problems
5.2.3 critically analyses decision-making processes in a range of information and software solutions.
Students learn about:
Students learn to:
Core content
Option content
10.1 :
 define the terms data and
information.
 identify the different forms that
data can take (e.g. text, images,
numbers).
 describe how data can be turned
into information by organising,
analysing (sorting and
searching), editing and
displaying.
 explain the importance of both
data and information.
3.1:
 define the term database and
describe the purpose of a
database.
 define the term DBMS and
describe what it does
Option activities
Syllabus Outcomes
Database development

purpose of a
database


define and
describe a
database
explain the
purpose of a
database
1


see how data can be managed using a variety
of application software.
use search and sort functions in a word
document and/or a spreadsheet.
Students learn about:
Students learn to:
Database development
 components of a 
database


inputs of a
database

validation and
verification
checks of data

Core content
Option content
describe the
relationships
between a
database, file,
record, field and
data character
10.4:
 data types
list input data
10.4:
 original and second hand data
12.3:
 data ownership - copyright
12.4:
 appropriate use of collected data
and codes of practice and
conduct
use validation and
verification checks
on the data for a
database
12.4:
 accuracy, validity and bias of
data
2
Option activities
3.2:
 hierarchy of data structures
 identify data types
commonly used in databases
 define the term data
dictionary and describe its
importance.
3.3:
 Importance of identifying

and acknowledging sources

of data
 Identify the sources and
types of data that would have
to be collected for sample
databases.
3.3:
 define the terms validation
and verification giving
examples of each.
 designing tests for entered
data
 explain the importance of
accurate data


Syllabus Outcomes
design paper or WP based data dictionaries.
start a simple database by designing and
entering a data dictionary for a database of
students in the class, their ages, postcodes,
star signs, gender
add data input rules to the class data
dictionary
enter data into the database

outputs of a
database


distinguish
between data
forms, data tables,
reports
identify the
required outputs
when designing a
database
10.1:
 review differences between data
and information and how
organising the display of data
can turn it into information
3
3.4:
 the different data views
available in a DBMS, their
uses and
advantages/disadvantages.
 choosing an output view.



perform basic sorts and filter searches using
class database
create a basic form view
create a basic report
Students learn about:
Students learn to:
Core content
Option content
Collecting, organising and storing data
 data types
 create a data
required to solve
dictionary to
a problem
illustrate and
describe data types


sources of data
to solve a
problem

database storage
on a storage
medium


3.5:
 identifying a sample problem
 designing a possible solution
 designing data validation
tests
 creating a data dictionary to
help solve the problem
document and
acknowledge data
sources
3.6:
 identify data source or
sources for movie database
 review ethical and legal
implications when using
collected data
input and store
data for a given
problem
consider file size,
portability and
updatability issues
3.6:
 collect and enter data
 examine possible methods of
automating the data
collection process in general
(e.g. bar codes, RFID)
 discuss issues of file size,
data portability, data security
and the need to update the
data
4
Option activities
Syllabus Outcomes

students work through the sample project to
construct a data dictionary for the movie
database

students design a suitable acknowledgment
for their data source to be added to the
database form view

students work through the sample project to
collect and enter data for the movie database
students examine physical size of database

Students learn about:
Students learn to:
Methods of processing and analysing data
 editing,
 construct query
searching and
searches and sorts
sorting records
on given data
 edit existing fields
and records within
a database
Core content
Option content
10.3:
 how ASCII affects search and
sort results
Methods of presenting information
 forms and
 create an effective
reports
design for a
database form
 identify and use
header, footer and
body text in
reports
 prepare a range of
report and form
layouts for
presentation
3.7:
 problems of sorting and
filtering different types of
data
 using relational (e.g. “>=”)
and logical (e.g. “AND”)
operators
 using queries to automate
search/sort tasks
3.8:
 the basics of designing a
report
 the basics of designing data
display forms
5
Option activities



Syllabus Outcomes
students edit the data to fix data collection or
entry errors.
students work through the sample project to
perform basic sorting and searching
operations on the data and to create queries.
students work through the sample project to
design and create alternative report and form
layouts.
Methods of processing and analysing data
 mathematical
 design and
calculations
perform
calculations on
data
 create macros to
perform repetitive
tasks
3.9:
 calculation fields in a
database
 automating tasks by using
macros
6

students work through the sample project to
add calculated fields and macros to the
database.
Students learn about:
Integration
 importing from
existing
electronic data

exporting data
for other uses
Students learn to:

import data, such
as a graphic
element, from a
different source

create a mail
merge from stored
data
export data from
the database to
other applications

Core content
Option content
3.10:
 importing data through the
clipboard (copy and paste)
 importing data files (e.g.
graphic images)
3.10:
 exporting the results of
searches and queries to other
applications
Option activities
Syllabus Outcomes

students work through the sample project to
import prepared graphics into their database
forms and/or reports.

students work through the sample project to
export selected records from their database
into other applications such as spreadsheets
or word processed documents.
students create a mail-merged document
using data from their database

Assignment

design and
produce a simple
database to solve a
specified problem

research and
report on a
database system
incorporating an
expert system

students design and develop their own
database based on solving a specific data
management problem

students use a web based expert system to
solve a specific problem
students investigate how databases are used
in expert systems
Additional content

expert systems
3.11 CD-ROM:
 databases are at the core of
expert systems
 using expert systems
7
