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Unit of work

Volcano animations

Computational thinking, Design & technology, Geography, Programming | MakeCode | 7-11 yrs

Lessons summary

This series of five lessons is aimed at pupils aged 8-9 years. Through a mixture of fun unplugged and programming activities related to animations, pupils develop their understanding of decomposition, flowchart algorithms and repetition. They then write, program and test an animation showing volcanic eruption using the LEDs on the BBC micro:bit.

The unit comprises five lesson of approximately 60 minutes each:

  1. Unplugged lesson decomposing dance sequences and flip-book animations
  2. Using flowchart algorithms and exploring repetitions in the MakeCode editor
  3. Unplugged lesson decomposing and planning volcanic eruption animations
  4. Programming in MakeCode and reviewing and micro:bit animations
  5. Unplugged lesson to decompose how their learning developed to produce their final product

Learning objectives

  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such 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, debugging.

You will need

Downloadable resources:

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

Other resources:

  • glue
  • MakeCode editor
  • micro:bits (optional)
  • paper - large sheets
  • paper - writing
  • pens
  • scissors
  • sticky notes
  • student work from previous lesson