Lesson Plan
Course Title: Principles of Information Technology
Session Title: Intro to Databases
Lesson Duration: Varies—dependent upon instructor
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to create a database by entering home
inventory data into a form.
Specific Objectives:
Define terms associated with the lesson
 Explain the benefits of a database compared to a workbook or spreadsheet
 Describe why businesses use databases
 Identify the main parts of a database
 Build a database to inventory home items for insurance purposes
 Evaluate techniques for selecting a pre-built template and entering data
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.272 Principles of Information Technology
(1) The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, employability, and
successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to
(C) employ effective reading and writing skills;
(2) The student identifies various employment opportunities in the information technology field.
The student is expected to
(A) identify job opportunities and accompanying job duties and tasks;
(5) The student demonstrates knowledge of the different software associated with information
systems. The student is expected to
(A) differentiate between systems and application software;
(H) identify appropriate use of application software;
(9) The student applies database technology. The student is expected to
(A) identify the terminology associated with database software and its functions;
(B) create, populate, edit, maintain, and save database files;
(C) differentiate the nature and interrelationships of fields and records
(D) perform data management procedures such as location, sorting, searching, querying,
organizing, and outputting data;
(F) produce organized reports with calculated figures
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Curriculum-developer knowledge
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Instructional Aids:
 Introduction to Databases Vocabulary Handout
 Introduction to Databases Vocabulary Presentation
 Introduction to Databases Vocabulary Review
 Introduction to Databases Vocabulary Review (Key)
 Introduction to Databases Lesson Outline Presentation
 Introduction to Databases Worksheet
 Introduction to Databases Worksheet (Key)
 Introduction to Databases Activities
 Home Inventory Database Evaluation Rubric
Materials Needed:
 Database Software
 Instructional Aids
Equipment Needed:
 Projector for Presentation
 Computer Lab
 Internet Access
Learner
No previous database experience is necessary for this lesson. Students will review the
“Introduction to Database Vocabulary Handout” the night before class.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
ASK, “Did you know you have a very sophisticated database right inside your
body?”
SAY, “That’s right! It’s your amazing brain! In addition to maintaining your breathing,
blood flow, body temperature, and other aspects that allow us to stay alive, it
also constantly receives, sorts, and stores a vast amount of information, or
data. This is also what databases do—it stores and organizes tons of data
such as inventory, customer contacts, diet and exercise records, household
expenses, etc.”
SAY, “Today, we’ll be introduced to the some database software, and we will learn
when/why to use the software.”
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
Instructors can use the presentation, slides,
handouts, and note pages in conjunction with the
following outline. Be certain to review the
“Introduction to Databases Activity Sheet” document

Review the vocabulary
terms previously given to
the student using the
Introduction to
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
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2
Databases Vocabulary
Presentation.
before presenting the lesson.
I.
Define terms/concepts associated with the
lesson
a. Data - Bits or pieces of information.
b. Database – A collection of data
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
organized and cross-referenced for quick
retrieval.
Template – A pre-built database table
formatted with categories such as those
for business, education, and personal use
including events, assets, inventory, and
contacts.
Table – The main function of a table in a
database is to organize and store data.
Tables are arranged in rows and columns
making it easy to search, extract data
from, and reference information.
Related Table – A table that links or
references information from another table,
eliminating the need to duplicate data
entry.
Record – A group or set of related data.
Field –The location for a piece of data or
information.
Form – Shows data for entry or review
and is selected from one or more tables
or queries.
Query – A process for pulling data from
tables for informational or reporting
purposes.
Report – Shows data for printing, display,
or interaction and is selected from one or
more tables.
II.
Discuss the relevance of using databases
a. Organization of vast amounts of data
i. Discuss how overwhelming it
would be to organize and keep
track of employee information
for a large retail corporation
with 1.5 million employees.
III.
Explain the benefits of using a database as
opposed to a workbook or spreadsheet.
a. On the surface, both types of software
seem similar. After all, they store
data, and you can enter data in a grid
of cells.
b. The question is, “How do you want to
organize your data”?
c. Database software has a relational

Students will complete
the Introduction to
Databases Vocabulary
Review as part of the
lesson summary.

Use the “Introduction to
Databases Lesson
Outline" presentation to
guide you as you
demonstrate the main
concepts within a
database program.

Have the students
complete the "Intro to
Databases Outline
Organizer" as you
present the lesson
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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structure that helps keep large
amounts of information accurate and
provides you with customized
manageable tables.
d. Spreadsheet software is used for
analyzing numbers using formulas,
while database software is used for
the storage of large amounts of data
that can be accessed easily and
quickly.
IV.
Demonstrate selecting a template and
entering data into the database.
a. Demonstrate using the following
tools/features (SEE GUIDED
PRACTICE)
i. Navigating to and opening the
database software
ii. Selecting and downloading a
pre-built template from the
database software package or
the internet
iii. Beginning a new database
and entering data about a
particular item in the
classroom (a computer or
projector is a good item)
iv. Saving the new asset
V.
Explain Independent Practice Activity
a. Students will brainstorm the fields
needed to enter home inventory
information for insurance purposes.
(Ex. Item Name, Description,
Model/Part Number, Estimated
Purchase Price, etc.)
b. Students will be responsible for
“inventorying” at least 25 items from
their home.
c. They will create their own database
using the skills taught in this lesson to
create a home inventory database.

Review the “Independent
Database Creation”
instruction with the
students (See
“Introduction to
Databases Activities”).
Give each student a copy
of the “Home Inventory
Database Evaluation
Rubric.” Review the
rubric with the students.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher will use database software and demonstrate how to select and
download a pre-built template from the database software package or the internet.
The students will enter and save a new asset choosing something from the
classroom. Ask for one or two volunteers to re-demonstrate in front of peers.
Encourage students watching to peer-coach and evaluate the student demonstrator
on his or her techniques.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will work on their personal home inventory databases independently.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Q&A Session
Q: What is data?
A: Data is bits or pieces of information.
Q: What is a database?
A: A collection of data organized and cross-referenced for quick retrieval.
.
Q: Why is it important to use a database to organize data?
A: Because it allows you to organize and make better informed decisions about vast
amounts of data that is related but constantly changing.
Q: What’s the difference between using spreadsheet software and using database
software to organize data?
A: Spreadsheet software is used for analyzing numbers using formulas, while database
software is used to store large amounts of data.
Introduction to Databases Vocabulary Review Activity
Students will complete the fill-in-the-blank “Introduction to Databases Vocabulary
Review” as a review of the lesson. Afterwards, the teacher will go through the
worksheet with the class.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Teacher will observe student demonstrators and observers during guided
practice to assess student understanding of concepts and techniques.
Revision/re-teach will occur as needed before moving to Independent
Practice portion of the lesson.
2. Teacher will circulate through the lab as students work independently to
redirect/re-teach as necessary.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Teacher will use the Home Inventory Database Evaluation Rubric
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
1.
Make this independent practice relevant and meaningful by explaining why
home inventory is important.
EX. Give the following scenario: If your house ever burned to the ground, the
insurance company would need an inventory of the valuable items in your home
to determine the replacement value.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Icon
MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Teaching Strategies
Personal Development
Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal
writing, cooperative learning,
word origins
Reading, highlighting, outlining,
teaching others, reciting information
Problem solving, number
games, critical thinking,
classifying and organizing,
Socratic questioning
Mind-mapping, reflective
time, graphic organizers,
color-coding systems,
drawings, designs, video,
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs
or raps, use musical
language or metaphors
Organizing material logically, explaining
things sequentially, finding patterns,
developing systems, outlining, charting,
graphing, analyzing information
Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing
with color, mental imagery (drawing in
the mind’s eye)
Use manipulatives, hand
signals, pantomime, real life
situations, puzzles and board
games, activities, roleplaying, action problems
Reflective teaching,
interviews, reflective listening,
KWL charts
Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming,
cross-cultural interactions
Natural objects as
manipulatives and as
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life
situations, global
problems/questions
Creating rhythms out of words, creating
rhythms with instruments, playing an
instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Moving while learning, pacing while
reciting, acting out scripts of material,
designing games, moving fingers under
words while reading
Reflecting on personal meaning of
information, studying in quiet settings,
imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Studying in a group, discussing
information, using flash cards with
other, teaching others
Connecting with nature, forming study
groups with like-minded people
Considering personal relationship to
larger context
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Introduction to Databases Vocabulary
Data - Bits or pieces of information.
Database – A collection of related data files organized and cross-referenced for quick
retrieval.
Template – A pre-built database table formatted with categories such as those for
business, education, and personal use, including those for events, assets,
inventory, and contacts.
Table – The main function of a table in a database is to organize and store data. Tables
are arranged in rows and columns, making it easy to search, extract, and
reference information.
Related Table – A table that links or references information from another table,
eliminating the need to duplicate data entry.
Record – A group or set of related data.
Field – The location for a piece of data or information.
Form – Shows data for entry or review and is selected from one or more tables or
queries.
Query – A process for pulling data from tables for informational or reporting purposes.
Report – Shows data for printing, display, or interaction and is selected from one or
more tables.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Introduction to Databases Vocabulary Review
Data:
Bits or ___________________ of ____________________.
Database:
A collection of _________ data files ________________
and _____________-_______________ for quick retrieval.
Template:
A _____________database ____________formatted with
categories such as those for ___________, ___________,
and ___________ use, including those for ____________,
____________, _____________, and _______________.
Table:
The main function of a table in a database is to _________
and __________data. Tables are arranged in _________
and ____________, making it easy to ________________,
_____________, and _________________ information.
Related Table:
A table that ____________ or _______________
information from another ____________
eliminating the need to ___________________ data entry.
Record:
A _________ or set of _______________ data.
Field:
The ______________for a piece of data or information
Form:
Shows data for _______ or _________ and is selected from
one or more tables or queries.
Query:
A process for _______________data from tables for
__________________ or _________________ purposes.
Report:
Shows data for ___________, ________, or __________
and is selected from one or more tables.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
8
Introduction to Databases
Vocabulary Review (Key)
Data:
Bits or pieces of information.
Database:
A collection of related data files organized
and cross - referenced for quick retrieval.
Template:
A pre-built database table formatted with categories such
as those for business, education, and personal use,
including those for events, assets, inventory, and
contacts.
Table:
The main function of a table in a database is to organize
and store data. Tables are arranged in rows and columns,
making it easy to search, extract, and reference
information.
Related Table:
A table that links or references information from another
table,
eliminating the need to duplicate data entry.
Record:
A group or set of related data.
Field:
The location for a piece of data or information
Form:
Shows data for entry or review and is selected from one or
more tables or queries.
Query:
A process for pulling data from tables for informational or
reporting purposes.
Report:
Shows data for printing, display, or interaction and is
selected from one or more tables.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Intro to Databases Worksheet
I.
Terms/concepts associated with the lesson:
a. Data –
b. Database –
c.
Template –
d. Table –
e. Related Table –
f.
Record –
g. Field –
h. Form –
II.
i.
Query –
j.
Report –
Relevance of using databases
a. Organization of _______ amounts of ________
i. How overwhelming would it be to organize and keep track of employee
information for a large retail corporation with 1.5 million employees?
III.
Benefits of using a database instead of a spreadsheet
a. On the surface, both types of software seem similar. After all, they store data, and you
can enter data in a grid of cells.
b. The question is, “______________________________________________”?
c. Database software has a _____________ structure that helps keep large amounts of
information accurate and provides you with customized manageable tables.
d. Spreadsheet software is used for __________ ___________ using ___________, while
Database software is used for storage of large amounts of data that can be accessed
easily and quickly.
IV.
Demonstrate selecting a template and entering data into a database.
a. Tools/Features
i. Open the database program
ii. Locate and download one of the pre-built templates. These may also be called
Assets.
iii. Pick an item in the classroom to enter into the template as your first asset.
iv. Save the new asset
V.
Independent Practice Activity
a. Brainstorm the fields needed to enter home inventory information for insurance purposes.
b. You will be responsible for “inventorying” at least 25 items from your own home.
c. You will create your own access database using the skills taught in this lesson to create a
home inventory database.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
10
Introduction to Databases Activities
Class Brainstorm/Discussion:
Instructions for Teacher:
During the lesson, involve the entire class in discussions/brainstorms
about the relevance of using databases, specifically large companies with
vast amounts of data.
During the explanation of the Independent Practice, have students first
brainstorm fields for the home inventory project. This will help re-enforce
the concepts of records and fields.
Class participation in Teacher Demonstration:
Instructions for Teacher:
As you demonstrate selecting and downloading a pre-built template, get
student buy-in by involving them in the process. Students will observe, but
then ask for one or two volunteers to re-demonstrate in front of peers.
Encourage students watching to peer coach and evaluate the student
demonstrator on his or her techniques.
Independent Database Creation:
Instructions for Teacher:
Students will independently inventory 25 home items and enter the data
into their database.
Instructions for Student:
Now that you’ve seen me demonstrate some of the tools/features
available in the database software, you’re going to get to create your own
personalized home inventory database and apply the skills we’ve learned
today. You will need to first inventory at least 25 items of value from your
own home. You will enter the data into the database program using a prebuilt template with the fields we came up with today.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Home Inventory Database Evaluation Rubric
CRITERIA
Used the pre-built template
Student brought inventory of 25
items from his/her home
Used the ‘forms’ part of the
database software to enter the data
for the 25 items
Saved the database using
lastname_firstname_homeinventory
in the file name
YES
1 – 25 Points
NO
0 Points
POINTS
The student correctly
The student did not
selected and downloaded correctly select and
the pre-built template.
download the prebuilt template.
The student used the
The student did not
specified fields to
use the specified
inventory at least 25
fields to inventory at
items from his/her home. least 25 items from
his/her home.
The student used the
The student did not
‘forms’ part of the
use the ‘forms’ part of
database software
the database
instead of table view to
software to enter
enter data for the 25
data for the 25 items.
items.
The student correctly
saved the database with
the specified filename
format.
The student did not
correctly save the
database with the
specified filename
format.
Total Points: ________
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
12
Intro to Databases Worksheet (Key)
I.
Terms/concepts associated with the lesson:
a. Data – Bits of information
b. Database – A collection of related data files organized and crossreferenced for quick retrieval.
c. Template – A pre-built database table formatted with categories such as
those for business, education and personal use, including those for
events, assets, inventory, and contracts.
d. Table – The main function of a table in a database is to organize and store
data. Tables are arranged in rows and columns, making them easy to
search, extract, and reference information from another table.
e. Related Table – A table that links or references information from another
table eliminating the need to duplicate data entry.
f. Record – A group or set of related data.
g. Field – The location for a piece of data or information.
h. Form – Shows data for entry or review and is selected from one or more
tables or queries.
II.
i.
Query – A process for pulling data from tables for informational or
reporting purposes.
j.
Report – Shows data for printing, display, or interaction and is selected
from one or more tables.
Relevance of using databases
a. Organization of vast amounts of data
i. How overwhelming would it be to organize and keep track of
employee information for a large retail corporation with 1.5 million
employees?
III.
Benefits of using a database instead of a spreadsheet
a. On the surface, both types of software seem similar. After all, they store
data, and you can enter data in a grid of cells.
b. The question is, “How do you want to organize your data”?
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
13
c. Database software has a relational structure that helps keep large
amounts of information accurate and provides you with customized
manageable tables.
d. Spreadsheet software is used for analyzing numbers using formulas,
while database software is used for storage of large amounts of data that
can be accessed easily and quickly.
IV.
Demonstrate selecting a template and entering data into a database.
d. Tools/Features
i. Open the database program
ii. Locate and download one of the pre-built templates. These may
also be called assets.
iii. Pick an item in the classroom to enter into the template as your first
asset.
iv. Save the new asset
V. Independent Practice Activity
e. Brainstorm the fields needed to enter home inventory information for
insurance purposes
f. You will be responsible for “inventorying” at least 25 items from your own
home.
g. You will create your own access database using the skills taught in this
lesson to create a home inventory database.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Intro to Databases] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
14