EDT 3610 Oregon Trail Database
Utilizing data from your Oregon Trail Log, you will now create a database using Access. I've prepared a job aid, Database Steps (.pdf), that you can view and print to assist you in completing the assignment. When you have completed the database, you can submit it in Access format (.mdb) as an attachment to an email.

The database must include the four (4) fields given below and the data from your log sheet for a total of 16-17 records.

FIELD TYPE	DATA TYPE
LANDMARK	Text
TYPE	Text
STATE	Text
ELEVATION	Numeric

Challenge: Can you use the sort and filter features of Access to:

1. List the landmarks alphabetically?
2. List only the landmarks that are Forts?
3. List only the landmarks that are located in Idaho?
4. List the landmarks in order from the lowest elevation to the highest elevation?

Think About It: What other types of fields and data could be added to the database?

This database activity - using the Oregon Trail software program as the anchored instruction - is just one example of how you might integrate a database application program into your classroom. Databases allow you to not only organize data, but search it, compare it, and analyze it. A database can be used to identify specific factors and relationships among large data groups. For example, sorting the geographic locations of liver cancer cases reveals that clusters of high incidences occur on Indian reservations. This relationship could stimulate a discussion or lead to further research.