Lessons summary
In this series of five lessons aimed at pupils aged 8-9 years, pupils develop their understanding of flowchart algorithms, selection and inputs and outputs by using electrical circuits and the BBC micro:bit to test the conductivity of different materials.
The unit comprises five lessons of approximately 60 minutes each:
- Unplugged lesson building electrical circuits and testing materials
- Unplugged lesson exploring selection and flowchart algorithms
- Tinkering with inputs on the micro:bit using the MakeCode editor
- Electrical conductivity testing with the micro:bit
- Unplugged review, decomposing learning in the unit
Learning objectives
- can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems
- can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
Additional skills
Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, testing.
You will need
Downloadable resources:
- Lesson plan
- Lesson slides
- Student handouts
- HEX files
Other resources:
- alligator / crocodile clip leads
- batteries
- buzzers (optional)
- coins (optional)
- erasers (optional)
- felt cloth (optional)
- kitchen foil (optional)
- lightbulbs
- MakeCode editor
- micro:bits
- motors (optional)
- paper - large sheets
- paper - writing
- pencil sharpeners (optional)
- pencils (optional)
- printouts of slides
- scissors (optional)
- student work from previous lesson
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