Lesson Plan

• Describe key features of relational DBMS that overcome file‑based limitations.
• Explain how data independence, normalization, and integrity constraints improve data quality.
• Compare the query capabilities of SQL with procedural file handling.
• Evaluate how ACID transactions and security privileges support multi‑user environments.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout summarising file‑based limitations vs relational features
• Laptop with a DBMS (e.g., MySQL) and a sample database
• Worksheets with SQL query exercises
• Sticky notes for quick formative checks

Begin with a quick poll: “What problems have you encountered when storing data in plain files?” Connect these responses to the lesson’s success criteria – students will identify how relational databases solve each problem.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list common file‑based issues on sticky notes; teacher collects and clusters them.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review the limitations and introduce relational concepts (data independence, normalization, constraints).
3. Interactive demo (12’) – Show a simple file‑based program vs an equivalent SQL query; highlight integrity constraints and ACID properties.
4. Guided practice (15’) – In pairs, students normalise a small dataset and write CREATE TABLE statements with primary/foreign keys.
5. Group activity (10’) – Using the provided comparison table, groups fill in advantages of the relational approach for each limitation.
6. Exit ticket (3’) – Each student writes one relational feature that directly addresses a listed file‑based problem.

Recap the main relational features and how they map to the earlier listed problems. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: research a real‑world system that migrated from files to a relational DBMS and summarise the benefits.