ICT at key stages 1 and 2    (Year 3)

• Take a random selection of papers and books and discuss how difficult it is to find information when it is not organised. Explain that information can be structured and discuss how this can help them find information more easily.
• Introduce the class to a set of paper-based record cards containing information on a particular subject, such as mini-beasts. Explain how the information is structured into fields with all the information on one object held on a single card called a 'record'. Discuss the possible advantages this might have for finding information quickly.

• Divide the class into small groups and give each group a set of numbered record cards.
• Ask the children to use the record cards to answer questions such as: what information is on the fifth record card in the field 'legs'; which record contains the animal called 'woodlouse' in its name field; how many records are in the file; how many fields are in each record?

• Use the record cards from the above activity and explain how to add information to a record card and point out where the information should be entered as numbers eg the number of legs, text eg colour or as a choice eg 'yes' or 'no' in the wings field. Divide the children into groups and give each group written descriptions, or pictures, of three new mini-beasts. Ask them to extract the relevant information and add three new record cards to the file.
• Explain how each card holds information on one mini-beast and that this information is divided into fields with different headings, for example name, size, colour. Tell the class that the fields are the same on each card and discuss how this will help them find information and answer simple questions, such as: how many mini-beasts have four legs?

• Prepare a database containing information on mini-beasts including details of: name, habitat, number of legs, wings, colour.
• Demonstrate how to enter the program and select the correct file on mini-beasts. Show the class how to move through the records. Point out the features that the computer database shares with the paper-based record cards. Demonstrate how to add a record to the database and ask children in turn to add records.

• Show the class how to turn questions, such as which animals are green?; which animal has the most legs?, into appropriate search criteria, such as colour field = green or order by field legs. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the computer for this.

• Use the record cards to demonstrate how a database can produce bar charts. For example, group the cards according to the number in the 'legs' field and stack them to produce a bar chart showing the numbers of animals with each amount of legs.
• Demonstrate how to use the computer database of mini-beasts to produce bar charts. Discuss the advantages of using ICT to draw graphs, such as accuracy and speed. Divide the children into groups and ask them to create their own bar chart. Ask them to print their bar chart and to write about it. Ask them to think of three questions to ask other children about the graph.

• Tell the class that they are going to create a database containing information on each child in the class. Ask them to think of some questions they would like to ask, such as: how many children have brown eyes; who is the tallest in the class? Encourage them to think of questions which require numerical and non-numerical data.
• Divide the children into pairs and discuss the specific information that they need to collect. Explain the structure and ask the children to measure and record their personal information on a record card. Then ask each pair to add their information to the computer data file. Once all pairs have added their information, create a class list of questions and discuss how they can be translated into search criteria. Allocate questions and give each pair some time to work out and print their answers. Discuss and summarise the information with the class.