Big Data

About

Big data is big business. 

This workshop explains how and why companies make money from our data. Students begin by learning about the difference between data and information, examine how an algorithm to find the highest number in a list will use a sorting algorithm and introduce the concept of filtering. 

Students then move onto learn about different types of question and make a paper-based survey, as well as a Facebook style quiz. The quiz is developed in Python and uses a Harry Potter theme that informs the user what Hogwarts house they would be sorted into. 

If you have any questions about the workshop, please get in touch with the team: dsh@ukie.org.uk

Guidance for teachers

Suitable for: Key stage 2 (KS2), key stage 3 (KS3), key stage 4 (KS4)

Our resources are created with you and your students in mind. Not only are they outside-the-box, creative and brain-boosting fun, but we always ensure our content stays relevant. Our network of academic masterminds and video games practitioners enable us to keep delivering free content that is aligned to the UK computing curriculum and that is relevant to current industry best practice. We think you're going to love our play-based approach to Computer Science. We've even got the evidence to prove it. 

Download your lesson resources at the bottom of the page. If you're a Lead Teacher of a certified Schoolhouse, you can access the adaptable resources by logging in.


Guidance for parents & carers

Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of the Big Data follow-along workshops below. Please note, these are live recordings. Sit back, relax and supervise or participate as a family.

Part 1 - no technology required!

Suitable for ages 5 -16 years. Find out about the different types of sorting algorithm and then design a paper-based form to collect data. 

What do you need to take part?

What do you learn?

  • How to use different types of sorting algorithm
  • The difference between sorting and filtering data 
  • Recognise some of the ethical issues with big data

Part 2

Suitable for ages 10 -16 years. Following part 1, learn how to create a Facebook-style quiz using the programming language Python.

What do you need to take part?

What do you learn?

  • Programming concepts covered include: the print statement, input functions, variables, lists, the max function and functions

Public files

Logos