LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Weather conditions database

Students will search and sort various fields of a given database file.

A lesson plan for grades 6–8 Science

By DPI Integration Strategies

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Learning outcomes

Students should learn how to create a filter to answer questions related to a prepared database.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

30 minutes

Materials/resources

Technology resources

  • Microsoft Access

Pre-activities

Study database vocabulary terms.

  • field: represents a piece of information common to all the entries
  • record: represents one full entry
  • filter: specify the criteria that you want to match
  • select: to highlight text or cells in a file by dragging the insertion point over them
  • table: a table organizes information into cells formed by rows and columns that are divided by gridlines
  • > means greater than
  • < means less than

Activities

Have students fill out the following worksheet

Name:

Directions:

Open Microsoft Access. Open the weather file. Read the scenario. Answer each question below and use correct database terms to explain how you found your answer. Example: I searched the ________field for all records_______ _________. Or: I sorted the _______field in ________order.

Scenario:

Students across the nation have been asked to research weather patterns in various areas. Search and sort through the information provided to learn which area you would feel more comfortable building your new home.

  1. How many cities have more than 157 CLEAR DAYS per year? ________
  2. Which city has 163 DAYS OF PRECIPITATION a year? ____ Explanation: _______________________________________________________
  3. Which cities have HIGH TEMPERATURE of at least 110 degrees and a LOW TEMPERATURE of less than 32 degrees? ______ ______ Explanation: _______________________________________________________
  4. Of the cities with an average HIGH TEMPERATURE greater than 90 degrees, which one has the most CLOUDY DAYS? _______ Explanation: _______________________________________________________
  5. Which city is only 26′ above sea level (ELEVATION)? ________ Explanation: _______________________________________________________
  6. What city has an ELEVATION of 1014′ and an average of 4 DAYS OF SNOW per year?_______ Explanation: _______________________________________________________
  7. How many cities have more than 16 DAYS OF SNOW per year? _____ Explanation: _______________________________________________________
  8. How many cities usually have no SNOW during the year? (0 days with snow) ______ Explanation: _______________________________________________________

Assessment

Determine the percentage of correct answers, and discuss the wording of the explanations with your students. Use the answer sheet.

Supplemental information

Short Answers:

  1. 4
  2. Seattle, WA
  3. Fresno and Phoenix
  4. Seattle, WA
  5. Jacksonville, FL
  6. Kansas City, MO
  7. 9
  8. 25

Comments

The database files are also attached in Microsoft Works, Microsoft Excel, and text formats.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: The learner will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 1.06: Identify and use database terms/concepts (e.g., reports, layout, format) to describe and explain findings. Strand - Database
  • Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
    • Objective 3.03: Develop and use search strategies with two or more criteria to solve problems and make decisions in content areas. Strand - Database
    • Objective 3.04: Use database sort and search/filter strategies to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate findings in content areas and cite sources. Strand - Database

Grade 7

  • Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
    • Objective 3.02: Select and use two or more criteria to organize, interpret, and display content data and explain strategies used. Strand - Database

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: The learner will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 1.07: Use knowledge of database terms/concepts, functions, and operations to explain strategies used to organize, analyze, and report information in content area assignments. Strand - Database
  • Goal 3: Select and use a variety of technology tools to collect, analyze, and present information. Strand - Societal/Ethical Issues
    • Objective 3.02: Select and use appropriate database features and functions to collect and organize information to solve problem in content areas and explain strategies used. Strand - Database

Science (2005)

Grade 7

  • Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the atmosphere.
    • Objective 3.05: Examine evidence that atmospheric properties can be studied to predict atmospheric conditions and weather hazards:
      • Humidity.
      • Temperature.
      • Wind speed and direction.
      • Air pressure.
      • Precipitation.
      • Tornados.
      • Hurricanes.
      • Floods.
      • Storms.
    • Objective 3.06: Assess the use of technology in studying atmospheric phenomena and weather hazards:
      • Satellites.
      • Weather maps.
      • Predicting.
      • Recording.
      • Communicating information about conditions.