Designing a physical computing project

Computing

In this unit, pupils will plan, develop, and evaluate a physical computing project. They will break down the project into smaller, easier-to-solve tasks. They will put these plans into action to create a working prototype that they use to evaluate their successes and identify future improvements.

Physical computing using the micro:bit

Why might someone think planning isn’t necessary?

It guarantees the project will look good.

It ensures the project uses expensive components.

It ensures the project solves the problem effectively for its users.

Why is it important to consider the audience when designing a physical computing project?

What word means to simplify a problem into smaller parts?

the intended users of a physical computing project

breaking a large task into smaller, manageable subtasks

a detailed plan outlining the goals and steps of a project

Match the terms to their correct description.

writing a single complex program all at once

breaking a program into small tasks like setting up LEDs and buttons separately

ignoring small tasks and focusing only on the final outcome

testing components only after everything is built

Which of the following is an example of decomposing a task?

Identify the audience and the problem to solve.

Create a proposal outlining goals and resources.

Decompose the problem into smaller tasks.

Build and integrate components into the final solution.

Test and refine each part of the project.

Arrange the steps for planning and completing a physical computing project in the correct order.

provide input to programs through user interaction

Match the micro:bit hardware components to their functions.

What grid on the micro:bit is used to display text, numbers or patterns?

What device can detect things like light, temperature or movement?

a complete path that electricity can travel through

a device that stores electricity for later use

a collection of wires that are tangled together

a power source that generates electricity

What should you do before starting a physical computing project?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Designing a physical computing project

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.