Using a digital device to collect data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a digital device to collect data.
Key learning points
- A data logger is a digital device that records data using sensors.
- Sensors can collect various types of data, such as temperature, light and movement.
- Data from sensors can help answer real-world questions.
Keywords
Input device - a piece of hardware used to control, or send data to, a computer
Sensor - an input device that allows a computer to collect data from the physical environment
Data logger - a device that records data from the physical environment
Common misconception
A sensor is an ouput device.
A sensor is an input device that allows a computer to collect data from the physical environment.
Teacher tip
Make sure you practise setting up the digital devices to record data. This helps spot problems pupils may have when they do it for themselves and lets you model best practice.
Equipment
Pupils need access to data logging hardware and software.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What must you choose carefully to answer a question with data?
Q2.Put these steps in the right order for using data:
Q3.What is needed for a question to be effective with data?
Q4.What is one thing a table helps you do?
Q5.Which of these can show patterns over time?
Q6.What does the word "data" mean in computing?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of a device that records data using sensors?
Q2.What does the word "input" mean in "input device"?
Q3.Which device is used to collect data from the environment?
Q4.Why are sensors important in science investigations?
Q5.What type of device is a sensor?
Q6.Match the item to its description:
measures how warm or cold it is
measures how bright it is
measures changes in position
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Using a digital device to collect data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Using a digital device to collect data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Data logging unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.