This unit of instruction provides the teacher with assistance when teaching database use on the computer in secondary and postsecondary business education classes. Section I is the introduction addressed to the teacher. It provides instruction on how to proceed with the unit, types of software available, and where to use this material within the business curriculum. Section II, the introduction of a database to the student, provides a suggestion for getting started. This initial instruction includes lecture, discussion, and explanation of terms to the students. Some exercises are provided to help students visually understand what a database program will do. Examples are provided for a learning activity (creating a membership list) for four software programs: Appleworks, Data Handler, dBase III, and PFS: File. The activities for use in the classroom are designed to provide the teacher with two applications for the use of a database. These two activities provide instructional objectives, information for creating and using a database, and information for printing useful reports. Information is provided to help students develop additional activities with the software program. An appendix contains explanations of terminology, sample printed reports from the learning activity, and a list of references. (YLB)