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Year 4: Habitats |
| ICT focus | Branching database |
| Main activity | Make a database of creatures we have seen |
| Suggested resources | Flexitree (Flexible Software), Tree (SITSS), Decision Tree (RM) |
The "branching" or hierarchical database is a difficult concept for many pupils. It is very important that children understand the structure of a branching database before they begin to use one on the computer. Preparatory work is required. Pupils may sort pictures of objects according to their properties, by responding to questions with yes / no answers, such as:
| Is it a bird? Yes Is it black? Yes Does it have white markings? |
The "branching" occurs as children answer "Yes" or "No". For a magpie, the answer is "Yes". For a blackbird, the answer is "No". Similarly, a branch will develop at the second question, for birds of different colours.
A display may be made to show the branching structure. There is a need to consider very carefully the questions to be asked which will give a reliable "'tree".
If you are unfamiliar with the concept yourself, an excellent starting point is Roger Frost's website. Branching databases are explained, and you can try a simple one about animals, on line.
Nature Explorer has further suggestions for the QCA Unit on Habitats.
