In this lab exercise, we'll build a conceptual model for an example database. This will allow us to put the tools we discussed in class this week to work.

Choosing a Domain

Start by dividing into teams of 2 (or 3) and choosing one of the following domains to work on:

• Names/Faces at Calvin - A facebook for Calvin
• MS Access at the Movies - movies and movie stars
• Nashville comes to Redmond - CDs, songs, and artists
• SQL meets the CRC - church members and small groups
• Other domains of interest to you?

Discerning the Information Requirements

Familiarize yourself with your domain and determine what entities, attributes and relationships you would be required to represent. To help with this, consider the following questions:

• What basic objects/entities occur frequently in this domain?
• How might you actually want to use this database?
• What sorts of printed reports would be needed?
• You won't have time to store every possible bit of information - what are the most important bits?

Build your ERD

Build a proper ERD for your information system. Include specifications of the primary keys and the cardinality constraints.

Checking In

To conclude, each team will present its domain and ERD to the class. Be sure to save your results for next lab - we'll work in the same teams to extend what you've done so far. As with last week's lab, your participation in this final step comprises your lab work.