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

Periodic Table database

These lessons are designed to help students use their computer skills to create their own database using teacher directions, and they also learn how to read the Periodic Table and understand what it means.

A lesson plan for grade 8 Science

By Florence B. Winslow

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Learning outcomes

  1. To help students learn how to create a database.
  2. To help students understand appropriate database terminology.
  3. To give students an opportunity to practice creating filters and sorting records.
  4. To help students learn how to read and use the periodic table in their chemistry lessons.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

120 minutes

Materials/resources

  • database glossary
  • Periodic Table database handouts
  • pencil

Technology resources

  • computer
  • printer

Pre-activities

  1. Review the database terms listed on the handout sheet from the Department of Public Instruction website (Computer Skills Curriculum Glossary).
  2. Students should have access to a periodic table and they should be taught what the numbers and letters on the table mean and what they stand for.
  3. Distribute the worksheets.
  4. Students should read all of the teacher directions and ask for clarification if needed.
  5. Point out the number of fields and records that students should have when they type this database.
  6. Explain the logic of sorting in ascending versus descending order or why students might need to filter.

Activities

Computer/Science Activity

  1. Students should open their database program.
  2. Students should follow the directions on the teacher’s instruction sheet to type in database field names and information.
  3. Students should use their periodic table to type in answers to the field information.
  4. Students should print a copy of the database so that it all fits on one printed page. They should check for spelling and number errors.
  5. Students should then use the file they have created to sort and filter to find answers to questions about the periodic table.

Assessment

  1. Move around the room observing the procedures used and the written answers given. Provide assistance as needed.
  2. Use attached answer sheets to grade student work.

Supplemental information

Comments

Students were having a hard time in chemistry learning how to use the periodic table and apply information from it to other classroom activities. This lesson has helped students to transfer that knowledge more easily.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

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 1.06: Demonstrate knowledge of and explain how databases are used in an information-intensive society. Strand - Databases
    • 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
    • Objective 1.08: Cite sources of information used in content area databases. Strand - Database
  • Goal 3: Select and use a variety of technology tools to collect, analyze, and present information. Strand - Societal/Ethical Issues
    • Objective 3.01: 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
    • Objective 3.03: Modify/create and use databases to analyze, interpret, and evaluate data and report findings. Strand - Database

Science (2005)

Grade 8

  • Goal 4: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize technology and information systems to build an understanding of chemistry.
    • Objective 4.03: Explain how the periodic table is a model for:
      • Classifying elements.
      • Identifying the properties of elements.