Unit 4C: Branching databases Section 1: SETTING THE SCENE
Objectives
Children should learn:
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
Activities
Outcomes
Children:
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.
create a series of 'yes/no' questions to identify objects
Points to note
Some children will find it hard not to ask questions such as 'Does it have a handle or does it have legs?' Point out that that is really two questions.
Children who find the work hard could cover up or remove objects which have been excluded.
Children who find the work easy could be encouraged to think of questions which will give the answer in less than four steps.
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activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
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