Let's learn how to create a database using Microsoft Access and building a web page using Macromedia's DreamWeaver Education version 4 HTML editor.
 

WHAT IS A DATABASE?

Creating the database

First thing we need to do is decide what type of information we want in our address book database. We will want the following information:

• FIRST AND LAST NAME
• STREET ADDRESS
• TELEPHONE NUMBER
• ZIP CODE

Imagine you are using a piece of paper and fold it into four equal parts making four columns. Label the top of each column with First and Last Name, Street Address, Telephone Number, and Zip Code. Under each heading, fill in the information or what we call data!

Now let's think about how this might look using the computer. Tell the computer you want to create columns, categories or fields, to store your information. After you created your categories or fields, type in the information.

Should your friend change their telephone number or street address, you can always update the information. Just go to the table  like you do in a word processing program and make the information new.

The database that we would like you to build is from the information you collect from Keystone. Think of this as a scavenger hunt.

You will be using Microsoft ACCESS to create your database.

Open the Microsoft ACCESS application and click on "Blank Database" button. Then click OK. You will be presented with a dialog box that will ask for the name of the database you are creating. Name it or leave it alone and click the "Create" button.

You will be presented with another dialog box. Click the tab "Table" and click the button "New."

Another dialog will appear, click "Design View" and click "OK."

This will take you to the design table where you will add your headings. In the column "Field," type the first heading. Click the "Enter" button three times. Type in the second field and click "Enter" button three times. Keep doing this until you finish typing all of the field names.

You will be typing the following information in the appropriate fields. This particular database is for water birds found at Keystone Wetlands.

• LOCATION/GRID
• COMMON NAME
• SCIENTIFIC NAME
• NUMBER
• SEX
• JUVENILE
• MATURE

NMSU Wetlands team would like to improve its collection of wildlife inventory by creating an interactive page that will allow visitors to provide feedback about wildlife they have seen at the park. Visitors would fill out the inventory form online and then send the information via e-mail to NMSU Wetlands lab. The information will then be entered into the school's database.

An online database report will be published at a later date. One will be able to see how extensive the wildlife database is. This information will also be shared with other research groups doing similar research.

WEB DESIGN

The students at Desert View Elementary School will be using HTML editor to help create an HTML file. Dreamweaver 4 Education version by Macromedia is the choice of HTML editor, which students will be using. Like every other HTML editor, it will set up the students Web page quickly. Word of caution, we will probably still have to work to a degree on HTML code.

The pre - service teachers will have their choice of working with an HTML editor, Composer, DreamWeaver, Front Page, and etc. If they desire, they too can work with Raw HTML.

When creating a web page, it is always a good idea to plan the look of the Web page before one begins to code. The following Outline "Planning Your Web Site" and online resource tables will assist you in designing a Web page.

PLANNING YOUR WEB SITE