Big Idea
What kinds of data can help you devise a plan to solve your problem? You developed solution alternatives by gathering and organizing factual information. Because almost all problems affect someone, people’s opinions are important data too. You can collect opinion data by writing and administering a survey. The data you collect may be useful both to you and other researchers and problem solvers. A database is a collection of information organized so that you can quickly retrieve the specific information you need. A database application is a software program that specializes in storing and managing data for quick and easy retrieval. Learn how to use a database application and become an effective creator and user of databases.

In this module:

• Follow basic guidelines that help you collect accurate opinion data
• Plan an effective design for your survey database
• Create a database and use a form to enter your survey data
• Create queries to retrieve survey data that helps solve your problem
• Create reports to share your data with appropriate audiences

Activity 1: Data Collection >
How can you collect data to help solve your problem? Effective survey questions provide opinion data that can help you solve problems. Critical thinking skills can help you create and administer an effective survey. Write effective survey questions and collect accurate opinion data. 

Activity 2: Database Planning >
Why plan a database for your survey? How easily information can be retrieved from a database depends entirely on how well the database is designed. Effective designs are based on the most efficient separation of data items. Plan an effective design for your survey database. 

Activity 3: Database Creation >
Creating a database is a simple process when you begin with an effective design. Tables are the most fundamental objects in a database. Forms provide an efficient way to enter data into tables. Learn different ways to create database tables and forms. 

Activity 4: Database Queries >
What can you learn from the survey data you collect? Queries retrieve information from a database by finding records that match specified criteria. Decide what you want to know and what information you need to retrieve. Create queries to retrieve data that helps solve your problem. 

Activity 5: Database Reports >
How can you share what you learned from the data you collect? Reports are documents that organize information for reading or viewing and use basic graphic design to give the information a more polished look. Create a database to share your data with appropriate audiences. 

Look Back >
Reflect on what you learned in this module. Are you ready to use your data to help devise and implement a plan to solve your problem? Use the checklist to make sure your tasks are complete. Use the rubric to assess your data management. Talk about what you learned and how you did your work.