Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Information Communication Technology ICT
Lesson Topic: Know and understand characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of a flat file and a relational database
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key characteristics, typical uses, advantages and disadvantages of flat‑file databases.
  • Explain the key characteristics, typical uses, advantages and disadvantages of relational databases.
  • Compare flat‑file and relational databases and justify the most appropriate choice for a given scenario.
  • Apply basic SQL concepts to illustrate how relational databases manage data.
  • Evaluate real‑world situations to decide which database type best meets the requirements.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Laptop with a DBMS (e.g., MySQL) installed
  • Sample CSV flat‑file data set
  • Handout summarising the comparison table
  • Worksheet with scenario‑based questions
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: “Where do you store lists of information on your computer?” Capture responses such as spreadsheets, text files, and apps. Link these examples to the idea of databases and state that today students will explore two fundamental types. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify each type’s strengths and choose the right one for a given problem.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students list everyday examples of data storage; share a few responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture – Flat‑File DB (10'): Define characteristics, show CSV example, discuss uses, advantages and disadvantages.
  3. Mini‑lecture – Relational DB (10'): Introduce tables, keys, SQL basics, uses, advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Guided Comparison Activity (10'): In pairs, complete a comparison chart (aspect, flat‑file, relational) using the handout.
  5. Whole‑class Discussion (5'): Review completed charts; discuss which type suits specific scenarios.
  6. Exit Ticket Quiz (5'): Each student writes one scenario and selects the appropriate database type with a brief justification.
Conclusion:

Summarise the key differences highlighted during the comparison activity, reinforcing the criteria for choosing a database type. Collect exit tickets as a quick retrieval check. Assign homework: research a real‑world application and write a short paragraph explaining whether a flat‑file or relational database would be more suitable and why.