MaxData Student database tool

By Shonda Brisco -- School Library Journal, 12/1/2006

Tom Snyder Productions, 100 Talcott Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 (800) 342-0236 www.tomsnyder.com. Single program: $35 for one computer and as low as $15 per system for 100+ computers.

After spending six weeks training fifth graders in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, I am certain that if asked to teach them how to create a database using Access, I would resign. Despite my best efforts, displaying screen shots and giving step-by-step directions, some of my students simply did not find the office software package user-friendly.

While it’s increasingly critical for youngsters to work comfortably with these programs, the truth is that this process frequently renders complete frustration among elementary students. But just as I was about to surrender to the inevitable “agony of the office suite,” I spy relief on the horizon.

Tom Snyder Productions, a division of Scholastic, has released MaxData, a new, kid-friendly program that provides students an easy and age-appropriate introduction to creating databases. MaxData teaches students how to handle confusing data using simple representations and colorful displays. Teaching concepts such as fields, field types, records, tables, and filters would be unbearable, but with the user-friendly Excel overlay, a database is not only easy to create, but also colorfully displayed. The program offers three grade-appropriate levels, so students can concentrate on the ideas, relationships, and information being explored, rather than worrying about how to navigate the program.

MaxData offers ready-made data sets such as dinosaurs, presidents, weather, and the like, for students to quickly set up and use. The database wizard guides students through the naming of the database, defining fields and field types, and saving their information. Because there are three levels of use (green for younger elementary, red for upper elementary, and blue for higher level users), the software allows for differentiated instruction.

Students are able to view their records in both table and group formats and create reports that include tables, charts, and column graphs. In addition, MaxData provides MaxPaint, a drawing tool, which allows students to incorporate their own pictures, or they can choose from an 800-image clip-art library.

Including a Windows CD-ROM, a user’s guide, and learning activities for subject areas such as science, history, language arts, or social studies, MaxData is aligned to state and national standards as well as to the NETS. The program can be purchased individually or as a bundle with Scholastic Keys.