Prior to beginning a lesson using Microsoft Access, talk to students about the concept of databases. Businesses such as grocery stores, banks, and schools use them to manage items of importance.

To make the concept more concrete, explain to students that in a school database, they would be considered a "record". Their birthdate, address, first name, last name, etc. are "fields".

Explain that a computer Database is a collection of information stored in a computer in such a way that the computer can quickly access specific information. 

A database can be compared to a file cabinet.  It is a way to store records and files.

Think of the Internet as a huge database of information.  We can search it to locate specific information.  

Lessons:

Everyone Has Traits - Students learn how genetic traits help to distinguish people by interviewing classmates . Then, they learn how to create a database using the table and form wizards and organize their research as well as how to sort and filter records. Interview worksheet | Sample Grades 3-5

The Thirteen Colonies - Students learn how to create a table, enter data, insert graphics, create forms, and write a query as they create a database containing information about the thirteen colonies. Grades 4-5. Sample

The Presidents - Students learn how to create a table, create and enter data into a form, insert graphics, and write a simple query as they create a database of the U.S. Presidents. Grades 3-5. No time to create a database? Download this Presidents database to have students enter data into the form. Fields can be modified to include different information.

Our United States - Students research facts about various states and learn how to create a table, insert a graphic into a table, and use the Report Wizard to create a Report about each of their states. Use the accompanying worksheets to help with data collecting. Grade 3 worksheet | Grade 4-5 worksheet | Sample database can be used in place of having students create from scratch.