Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT
Lesson Topic: Be able to perform searches using wildcards
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the purpose of wildcard characters in database searches.
  • Differentiate between SQL and Access wildcard symbols.
  • Construct SELECT queries using LIKE with % and _ in SQL.
  • Build Access queries using *, ?, #, and ! in criteria.
  • Evaluate the performance impact of leading wildcards and suggest alternatives.
Materials Needed:
  • Computer lab with internet access
  • Projector and screen
  • MySQL (or other SQL) and Microsoft Access installed
  • Sample database tables (Customers, Products)
  • Worksheet with practice queries
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Imagine needing to locate every customer whose name contains a certain letter without knowing the exact spelling. Students already know basic SELECT statements and WHERE clauses, so we will build on that knowledge. By the end of the lesson they will be able to write effective wildcard searches in both SQL and Access, and explain their performance implications.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Quick quiz on basic SELECT syntax to activate prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain wildcard concepts, compare SQL (%, _) and Access (*, ?, #, !) symbols with examples.
  3. Guided practice (15'): Students write a SQL query using LIKE with % and _ on a sample table; teacher circulates for feedback.
  4. Hands‑on in Access (15'): Students create a query in Design View using Access wildcards, run it, and share results.
  5. Performance discussion (5'): Discuss why leading % slows queries and how to avoid it.
  6. Independent worksheet (10'): Complete practice questions covering both SQL and Access patterns.
  7. Exit ticket (5'): Write one SQL wildcard pattern and one Access pattern learned today.
Conclusion:
We recap how wildcards expand search flexibility in SQL and Access while noting potential performance costs. Students submit their exit tickets, demonstrating immediate mastery, and for homework they will revise a provided query to replace a leading wildcard with an indexed alternative.