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Unit of work

Sensory classroom

Computational thinking, Computer systems, Programming | MakeCode | 11-14 yrs

Lessons summary

In this series of 4 lessons students consider how a sensory classroom can be used to meet the needs of learners who are sensitive to sensory stimulus. They evaluate sensory aids to learn how they meet the needs of their users and use this understanding to plan and devise a classroom sensory aid using the micro:bit.

Ideally, this unit should be taught after Computing fundamentals and assumes students have experience of writing algorithms using pseudocode and have used the MakeCode editor. 

The unit comprises 4 lessons @ 60 minutes each:

  1. Evaluating sensory learning environments
  2. Writing algorithms and programs to sequence light patterns
  3. Designing a sensory aid to meet a given criteria, including algorithms
  4. Making and evaluating a sensory aid, including programming

Learning objectives

  • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science
  • have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems 
  • can evaluate and apply information technology
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Additional skills

Creative thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, evaluation.

You will need

Downloadable resources:

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

Other resources:

  • cardboard boxes (optional)
  • cardboard tubes (optional)
  • colour marker pens (optional)
  • felt cloth (optional)
  • glue
  • images of sensory aids
  • paints (optional)
  • paper - large sheets
  • paper - rough
  • sticky notes
  • student work from previous lesson
  • tissue paper (optional)
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