Skip to content

Unit of work

Data handling

Computational thinking, Mathematics, Programming | MakeCode | 7-11 yrs

Lessons summary

This series of five lessons is aimed at pupils aged 9-10. Pupils learn about data through a variety of unplugged activities. They write and evaluate algorithms and programs using selection and repetition to use micro:bit as a temperature recorder, an automatic warning system and a digital assistant. You will ideally use physical micro:bits for these lessons, although you can also use the simulator.

The unit comprises five lessons of approximately 60 minutes each:

  1. Research lesson on understanding, locating and using data
  2. Exploring the micro:bit’s sensors
  3. Unplugged lesson designing gadgets with sensors
  4. Using sensors in algorithms and programs
  5. Programming digital assistants

Learning objectives

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Additional skills

Researching, design thinking, problem-solving, debugging.

You will need

Downloadable resources:

  • Lesson plan
  • Lesson slides
  • Student handouts
  • HEX files

Other resources:

  • coloured sports bands
  • MakeCode editor
  • micro:bit battery packs
  • micro:bits
  • paper - large sheets
  • printouts of slides
  • terms and conditions from popular app or website (optional)