Database Lesson

Title: Mathematicians Are People, Too!

 Grade Level: 5 – 8

Content Area: Mathematics/ Language Arts

Objectives:
To learn about the life and contributions of a famous mathematician.

To compare and contrast famous mathematicians, using database software to
search and sort given criteria.

SOLs:  
C/T 5.4 – To create simple databases to manage information and create reports.

NCTM Standards:
Standard 4 – Mathematical Connections – to value the role of mathematics in our culture and society.

Students should have completed the Telecommunications Lesson on

1. Computer with database software.
2. LCD Panel or television with computer hook-up.
3. Completed Mathematician Data Form.
4. Disk for each student (optional).

1. Students need to have their Mathematician Data Form on their desk.
2. Discuss the concept of what a database is and what the following terms mean:

• setting up a File – Famous Mathematicians.
• each student will type in their Record - Name of their Mathematician.

• each record will have the same Fields – Specific Data about their Mathematician. (Each person will have the same Field Names but not necessarily the same data for their field!)

   3.  Looking at their Mathematician Data Form, have students brainstorm and
        and discuss which fields they should use for their database.

The following is a list of what they might come up with:

Last Name

First Name

Date/Year of Birth

Country of Birth

Date/Year of Death

Math Field

Major Contribution/Discovery

Year of Contribution/Discovery

Other Occupation

Education

Interesting Fact 1

Interesting Fact 2

Interesting Fact 3

    4.  Using the LCD panel or the television with computer hook-up:

• show the students how the class database will be set-up.

• discuss the importance of what Data Type each field should be and also the Field Size for each.

• enter the data for the Mathematician that was done as a class to show as an example.
• stress that they must be consistent in entering their data.
• have students brainstorm and then list some simple rules everyone should follow.

     5.  Have students enter their data into the database. (Make sure their data form is checked for
          correct format and spelling before they enter their data.) They may choose to work with a
          partner to help each other if they'd like.

      6.  Once all data is entered, discuss ways they could use the database. In other words, what
            information can they find using their database? For example,

What part of the world did most of the mathematicians come from?

What field of mathematics was most popular?

When were most of the mathematicians born?

List the questions on the board.

     7.  Using the LCD panel or television with computer hook-up, demonstrate how
           you can sort information in the database to find the answers to their questions.

     8.  Have students sort their database to find the answers.

     9.  Students share their answers with the class when they are done.

Students will be evaluated on the following:

1. Use the database to create "Who Am I?" questions.
2. Use the database to make comparisons between two or three mathematicians and make a Venn Diagram to show results.
3. Use the database to make Attribute Trains to link the different mathematicians to one another.

Example: "A" & "B" were born in the same year

"B" & "C" were born in the same country

"C" & "D" were in the same math field

and so on…

4. Use the database to create timelines.
5. Use the database to have the students create Jeopardy Questions.
6. Use this unit during the month of April for National Math Month or adapt the lessons to be used in the following ways:

November – National Reading Month – use Famous Authors

February – Black History Month – use Famous African-Americans

March – Woman’s History Month – use Famous Women

7. Create a Power Point Presentation or a HyperStudio Stack.
8. See Telecommunications lesson plan for other extension ideas.