Beginner
60 mins
Teacher/Student led
+75 XP
What you need:
Chromebook/Laptop/PC

Types of Data and Types of Databases

In this lesson, you'll learn about different types of data and the types of databases used to store them.
Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

Teacher Class Feed

Load previous activity

    1 - Understanding Data Types

    Let's start by understanding what data is. Data is any piece of information that can be collected, stored, and analyzed. There are different types of data, such as text, numbers, images, and more. In this step, think about some examples of data you encounter every day. Write down at least three examples.

    2 - Exploring Types of Databases

    Now that we know what data is, let's learn about databases. A database is a place where data is stored and organized. There are many types of databases, but we will focus on two main types: Relational Databases and NoSQL Databases.

    Relational databases store data in tables, with each table having rows and columns. This type of database is best for structured data, like numbers and text. Examples of relational databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.

    NoSQL databases store data in various formats, like key-value pairs, documents, or graphs. This type of database is best for unstructured data, like images and videos. Examples of NoSQL databases include MongoDB, Cassandra, and Couchbase.

    3 - Comparing Relational and NoSQL Databases

    Now that you know the difference between relational and NoSQL databases, let's compare them. In this step, create a table with two columns: one for relational databases and one for NoSQL databases. List three advantages and disadvantages for each type of database.

    4 - Choosing the Right Database

    Choosing the right database for your project is important. In this step, imagine you are creating a project to store information about your favorite books. Think about what type of data you would need to store (e.g., book title, author, publication date, etc.) and decide which type of database (relational or NoSQL) would be best for your project. Explain your choice.

    5 - Designing a Simple Database

    Now that you've chosen the right type of database for your project, let's design a simple database to store information about your favorite books. If you chose a relational database, create a table with columns for each piece of information you want to store (e.g., book title, author, publication date, etc.). If you chose a NoSQL database, think about how you would store the information in key-value pairs, documents, or graphs.

    Unlock the Full Learning Experience

    Get ready to embark on an incredible learning journey! Get access to this lesson and hundreds more in our Digital Skills Curriculum.

    Copyright Notice
    This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.
    🍪 Our website uses cookies to make your browsing experience better. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more