Lesson Plan

• Identify common basic data types used in databases and describe their key characteristics.
• Evaluate criteria to select the most appropriate data type for a given field.
• Apply selection guidelines to design a database table with suitable data types while avoiding common pitfalls.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slide deck summarising data types and selection guidelines
• Sample database schema handout
• Laptop with SQL IDE (e.g., MySQL Workbench)
• Worksheet for data‑type selection exercises
• Exit‑ticket cards

Start with a quick question: “What could go wrong if we store a price as text?” Students recall previous lessons on data storage and validation. Explain that today they will learn how to choose efficient, appropriate data types for database fields and will be able to justify their choices using clear criteria.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list data types they have used in earlier projects; teacher gathers responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present common basic data types and selection guidelines with slides.
3. Guided practice (12’) – Walk through the “Student Records” example, discussing each field’s chosen type and reasoning.
4. Collaborative activity (15’) – Pairs receive a new scenario and decide suitable data types, recording justifications on a worksheet.
5. Whole‑class review (8’) – Pairs share decisions; teacher highlights correct choices and common pitfalls.
6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick Kahoot quiz on identifying correct data types.
7. Exit ticket (5’) – Each student writes one rule for selecting data types and provides an example.

Recap the key guidelines for choosing data types and how they impact storage and processing. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework: design a simple library‑inventory table, selecting appropriate data types for each attribute.