Data and Information — Year 6 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Computing KS2 — select, use and combine a variety of software to accomplish given goals; understand how data of various types can be represented in binary digit form
Overview
Pupils explore how computers store, retrieve, and manipulate data, including how information is represented in binary, how databases organise data for efficient retrieval, and how spreadsheets can be used to analyse datasets. They apply these concepts to a real-world task using data analysis tools.
Learning Objectives
- Understand that all data in a computer is stored in binary (1s and 0s).
- Explain how databases organise data using fields, records, and queries.
- Use a spreadsheet to enter, sort, filter, and interpret a dataset.
- Evaluate the reliability and accuracy of data found online.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Binary card trick: using four cards (8, 4, 2, 1), challenge pupils to make any number from 0 to 15 by flipping cards face up (1) or face down (0). Establish: computers store everything using just two states — on and off, 1 and 0.
Extend binary: everything — text, images, sound — is encoded as binary. A letter 'A' = 01000001. Images are grids of pixels, each stored as binary colour values. Introduce databases: show a simple spreadsheet as a database (class library records). Identify fields (title, author, genre, available) and records (one row per book). Demonstrate a query: 'Find all books in the Fantasy genre that are available.' Show sort and filter in a spreadsheet.
Pupils open a prepared spreadsheet dataset (e.g. weather data or school sports results). Task: find the highest/lowest values using sort, filter to show only results meeting a condition, and calculate an average using a formula. Record three findings.
Pupils create their own mini-database using a spreadsheet: at least 10 records, 4 fields, with one calculated field (formula). Then write two queries in plain English and apply them using sort/filter. Evaluate: what does this data tell you? Is there anything it doesn't tell you?
Discuss: why might data be inaccurate? (human error, outdated information, bias in collection). How do we evaluate data quality? Connect to computing in the world: every website, app, and streaming service runs on databases. Introduce the concept of 'big data'.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils sometimes think computers store words and images directly — all data is converted to binary first.
- Confusing data (raw facts) with information (data given meaning in context).
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Confident use of spreadsheet software.
- Understanding of programs and how computers process instructions.
- Experience evaluating sources for reliability in online research.
Want a personalised version of this lesson?
Use Staffroom to generate a complete lesson plan tailored to your class — add context about ability, recent learning, or specific pupils and get a plan ready to teach. Free trial, no card required.