An interactive textbook using pop culture references to simplify complex database concepts.
This project, “Database and SQL through Pop Culture,” is an Open Educational Resource (OER) designed to teach database concepts and SQL through engaging, pop culture-themed examples. Delivered entirely through Google Colab, this approach offers numerous benefits:
The course content aligns with the learning outcomes of the CompTIA DataSys+ certification and is meticulously crafted to be competitive with expensive, commercial texts. By combining high-quality educational materials with accessible technology, this project aims to democratize learning SQL and database management, making it attainable for a broader audience.
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Embark on your database journey with a Star Trek-themed introduction to data modeling. This chapter provides a high-level overview of data modeling concepts, exploring the realms of conceptual, logical, and physical models. You’ll discover the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases, setting the stage for your voyage through the data universe.
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Dive into the world of SQL with an exploration of the fundamental SELECT statement. Using SQLite and real-world Goodreads data, you’ll learn how to retrieve and manipulate data from databases. This chapter lays the foundation for your SQL skills, enabling you to extract valuable insights from vast data collections.
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Expand your SQL toolkit by mastering JOINs and set operations. Working with IMDB data, you’ll learn how to combine information from multiple tables and perform complex queries. These skills are essential for navigating the interconnected nature of relational databases and extracting meaningful information from diverse data sources.
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Level up your SQL skills with advanced SELECT operations. Dive into GROUP BY and HAVING clauses, subqueries, and JSON columns using a whimsical Mario Brothers plumbing database. This chapter also introduces crucial concepts of business continuity and disaster recovery, ensuring you’re prepared for real-world database management challenges.
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Uncover the secrets of effective database design in this chapter centered around a “Covert Academy” spy school theme. Learn to create Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) and master the art of creating and modifying tables. These skills form the backbone of database architecture, enabling you to design efficient and scalable database solutions.
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Rock your database skills by learning to write, update, and delete data using a subset of Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums. This chapter also introduces you to scripting languages and Object-Relational Mapping (ORM), bridging the gap between databases and application development.
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Enhance your data retrieval techniques with views and Common Table Expressions (CTEs). Using data from Spotify and Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums, you’ll learn to create reusable query structures and simplify complex queries. This chapter also touches on data governance, ensuring you understand the importance of data quality and management.
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Optimize your database operations by exploring indexes, transactions, and query analysis. With a “Gotham National Bank” theme, you’ll dive into the world of database performance tuning. Learn essential skills in database monitoring and reporting to keep your databases running smoothly and efficiently.
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Evolve your database skills by transitioning from SQLite to PostgreSQL. Catch ‘em all as you explore new data types, stored procedures, and window functions in this Pokemon-themed chapter. You’ll gain hands-on experience with a professional-grade database system, preparing you for real-world database management scenarios.
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Defend your data kingdom with crucial database security concepts and practices. Set in the Mushroom Kingdom’s Toad City Hospital, this chapter equips you with the knowledge to protect sensitive information and maintain data integrity. Learn to implement security measures that safeguard your databases from various threats.
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Master the art of database deployment with the help of well-known cartoon characters. This chapter covers the entire database lifecycle, from development to production. Learn different deployment strategies and best practices to ensure smooth transitions and minimal downtime in your database projects.
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Put all your newly acquired skills to the test in this comprehensive final project. Design, create, populate, query, and optimize your very own database from scratch. This hands-on experience consolidates your learning and prepares you for real-world database challenges.
Enhance your learning experience with our suite of interactive quiz tools designed to reinforce SQL concepts through practical exercises. These tools are integrated into the course chapters and provide hundreds of automatically graded SQL questions covering a wide range of topics, from basic SELECT, CREATE, INSERT statements to advanced concepts such as subqueries, JSON columns, and various types of JOINs.
Overview:
An interactive tool focused on SQL Data Definition Language (DDL) statements. Execute DDL queries, receive immediate feedback, and compare your solutions with correct answers within a Google Colab environment. This tool supports the chapters by providing hands-on practice with creating and modifying database schemas.
Learn More: SQL DDL Quiz Directory
Overview:
An interactive tool centered on SQL SELECT statements. Execute SELECT queries against predefined SQLite databases, receive instant feedback, and compare your results with expected outcomes within Google Colab. This tool complements the chapters by offering extensive practice with data retrieval, JOINs, set operations, and more.
Learn More: SQL SELECT Quiz Directory
Contributions to improve the course material and tools are welcome. Please feel free to submit a pull request or open an issue for discussion.
This project is open source and available under the GNU Public License.
I’ve had fun experimenting with the use of generative AI tools to help develop this project, starting with GPT-3.0, and moving on to successive versions of these tools (including Claude, Gemini, Mistral, LLama, and others).
Brendan Shea, PhD, is Professor of Philosophy and Computer Science at Rochester Community and Technical College and a Resident Fellow at the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He also serves as the Public Member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee at Mayo Clinic-Rochester. His main research and teaching interests lie in the philosophy of science, data modeling, applied ethics, and in the areas where these overlap (such as bioethics and the ethics of artificial intelligence). You can find out more about his research here.