# Lessons and Practice - Introduction to Data Analytics and Relational Data
# Learning to Learn (25 min)
- Explain the concept of “distributed practice” in your own words and why it’s more effective than cramming.
- The goal of your learning should be to build a “mental model” rather than only memorizing facts. How might you approach your studies differently to focus on building this kind of understanding?
# SQL for Data Analytics (18 min)
- Describe the business model of Northwind Traders in your own words. What are the main entities involved?
- Why is it important to refine broad business questions into more specific, data-driven questions?
# Basics of Data (14 min)
- What does SQL stand for, and why is this name significant in relation to the type of data it works with?
- How would you explain the concept of a table to someone who has never seen one before?
# Databases and Relational Data (28 min)
A local veterinary clinic wants to digitize their records and efficiently store information about pet owners and their pets. They currently have all their data in a single table, as shown below:
| Owner First Name | Owner Last Name | Owner Age | Owner Address | Pet Name | Pet Type | Pet Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia | Smith | 23 | 1121 1st ST E | Rover | Dog | 3 |
| Greg | Steel | 31 | 4939 88th Ave N | Luna | Cat | 6 |
| Olivia | Smith | 23 | 1121 1st ST E | Joe | Fish | 2 |
| Olivia | Smith | 23 | 1121 1st ST E | Maxie | Dog | 11 |
| Greg | Steel | 31 | 4939 88th Ave N | Rodger | Dog | 5 |
| Greg | Steel | 31 | 4939 88th Ave N | Doodles | Fish | 3 |
| Greg | Steel | 31 | 4939 88th Ave N | Ranger | Cat | 4 |
- Explain why the current structure is inefficient. Why is this inefficiency a concern for a database?
- Propose a new structure using multiple relational tables without losing the ability to look up which pets belong to which owners. Be specific about what columns belong in each table and how this improves efficiency. Identify the primary key and foreign key columns in your new structure. (It may help to use a tool like excel, google sheets, or paper to sketch out your new table design before trying to describe it).
Submit your answers for the M1 lessons and practice assignment on canvas.