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Building a branching database
This Kapow Computing video supports teachers in delivering a practical activity to help children understand how computers sort and categorise information using branching databases. Pupils begin by organising picture cards of animals in a single row and placing yes/no cards beneath them. Using a series of numbered yes/no questions, they sort the animals into two groups, continuing the process until each animal is in its own unique group. The video models the steps clearly, highlighting how computers use a similar system to search and organise data more efficiently.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Computing scheme – data. It helps teachers develop children’s understanding of data handling and logical reasoning through hands-on experience. Teachers are guided to support pupils in making careful decisions about which questions to ask, encouraging discussion and reasoning to select the most appropriate choices. The completed branching database reinforces how digital systems organise information, preparing children for future learning in computer science and data structures.
