Lesson Plan

• Describe the purpose of selecting appropriate data types in a database.
• Identify the suitable data type for common field examples (text, integer, decimal, currency, date/time, Boolean).
• Apply SQL syntax to define fields with correct data types in a table‑creation statement.
• Evaluate field definitions using a checklist to ensure data integrity and storage efficiency.

• Projector and screen
• ICT lab computers with a DBMS (e.g., MySQL Workbench)
• Handout: Data‑type cheat sheet
• Sample database file for demonstration
• Worksheet: Field‑definition exercise
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a short video showing how incorrect data types can cause real‑world errors, such as financial miscalculations. Ask students to recall last week’s lesson on creating tables and primary keys. Explain that today they will learn how to choose the right data type for each field and will be able to justify their choices using a checklist.

1. Do‑Now (5’) – Quick quiz on definitions of common data types.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of text, numeric, date/time, and Boolean types and why they matter.
3. Guided demonstration (15’) – Instructor creates a sample table in MySQL, selecting appropriate data types for each field.
4. Pair activity (15’) – Students receive a list of field names and sample data; using the checklist they assign suitable data types and write the CREATE TABLE statement.
5. Whole‑class review (10’) – Groups share answers; teacher clarifies misconceptions and highlights storage efficiency.
6. Exit ticket (5’) – Each student writes one rule for choosing a data type correctly.

Summarise the key criteria for selecting each data type and revisit the checklist. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework: design a small database table for a library (e.g., BookID, Title, Author, PublishDate, Price, IsAvailable) with appropriate data types and justify each choice.