| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 01/12/2025 |
| Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT |
| Lesson Topic: Be able to use validation routines to minimise data entry errors |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the purpose of data validation and its impact on data quality.
- Identify and differentiate common validation types (mandatory, format, range, consistency, lookup, cross‑field).
- Apply validation rules using spreadsheets, databases, word processors and web forms.
- Test validation routines with valid, invalid and boundary data.
- Evaluate validation designs to avoid over‑restriction and unclear error messages.
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Materials Needed:
- Computer with internet access
- Spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets)
- Database software (Access or MySQL Workbench)
- Word processor with content controls (Microsoft Word)
- Web browser and simple HTML/JavaScript editor
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Sample data worksheets and validation handouts
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What could go wrong if a student’s ID is entered incorrectly?” Connect this to previous lessons on data quality. Explain that today’s success criteria are to design, apply and test validation rules that prevent such errors.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – Students list real‑world consequences of data entry errors on a sticky note.
- Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of validation purpose and the six common validation types, using a slide deck.
- Demonstration (15’) – Live demo of Excel’s Data Validation (mandatory, range, list) and students follow on their own laptops.
- Hands‑on activity (20’) – In Google Sheets, learners create a simple data‑entry sheet applying at least three validation rules and test with valid/invalid entries.
- Database validation demo (10’) – Show how to set “Required” and a numeric range rule in Access.
- Web‑form validation (10’) – Introduce HTML5 attributes (required, type, min/max, pattern) and add them to a sample form.
- Review & Q&A (5’) – Recap key points, clarify misconceptions, and answer questions.
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Conclusion:
Summarise how each validation type reduces specific errors and remind students to always test rules with boundary and empty values. Exit ticket: each pupil writes one validation rule they will use in their next project. Assign homework to design a validation‑rich form for a fictional survey.
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