Suppose students are working on one the following topics:
a. Migrating birds in North Americab. Characteristics of mammals in the Southwestern U.S.
c. Properties of the ten most common elements
d. Habitats of animals in North America
e. Environmental facts and problems in Third World Countries
One use of the computer as a data base is to utilize the burgeoning number of database software packages such as Scholastic's Curriculum Data Bases in Life Science and Physical Science or EARTHQUEST ® (an environmental education database. A database is a collection of related information stored in an organized systematic manner. Databases such as these provide the raw information students need in to order to answer questions about topics such as those cited above. Students can find data to help them answer their questions and easily access the information.
A more powerful use is the dial-up system in which the modem enables the computer to become part of a telecommunications network. Databases can be accessed from a number of commercial companies.
But a more powerful application of the concept of data bases is for students to create their own data bases. Software such as Appleworks, Filemaker Pro, or the even more powerful (because it has graphics capabilities) Hypercard® enable students to design their own databases, and learn a methodology of organizing information. Some potential databases that students could create in the science classroom would include:
In each of these cases students will have to research the topic, determine how to organize the information and then enter it into the computer using a database program. Databases help student appreciate the complexity of information, but enable them to learn to use the computer to manage large amounts of information. Databases are nothing more than organizations of information. File cabinets, phone books, a file of index cards of recipes are common examples of data bases. Introducing the students to computer data bases simply extends what they have already experienced.s