New
New
Year 5

Combining outputs

I can write a program which uses multiple outputs.

New
New
Year 5

Combining outputs

I can write a program which uses multiple outputs.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Multiple output components can be connected to a microcontroller.
  2. Count-controlled loops are used to produce specific outcomes.
  3. An infinite loop is a sequence of instructions that is continually repeated.

Keywords

  • Motor - a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy

  • Count-controlled loop - a chunk of code that repeatedly runs a section of the program a certain number of times

  • Algorithm - a precise set of ordered steps which can be followed by a human or a computer to do a task

Common misconception

The motor must be wired in one specific way to work.

It will work in both directions, but reversing connections changes spin direction.


To help you plan your year 5 computing lesson on: Combining outputs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ensure you can confidently connect Sparkles and motors to the Crumble controller so you can model this clearly to pupils using the software.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pupils will need access to a microcontroller, crocodile clips, battery packs, motors and printed paper dancer discs. Examples in this lesson use Crumble https://oak.link/crumble

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of a microcontroller?

to connect wires
to provide power
to store data
Correct answer: to control outputs and respond to inputs

Q2.
What does the Crumble allow you to do?

Correct answer: control outputs and inputs
store information
power a Sparkle

Q3.
What is the Sparkle used for?

to store data
to power a circuit
Correct answer: to produce light
to connect wires

Q4.
Which of these is a key feature of block-based coding?

using text to write programs
Correct answer: using visual blocks to create programs
building circuits
storing data

Q5.
Arrange the steps to test a circuit:

1 - connect the components
2 - turn on the power supply
3 - check if the circuit works
4 - identify and fix any issues

Q6.
What does a microcontroller need to function?

Correct answer: software to program it
a Sparkle
a motor

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a precise sequence of steps that can be followed to complete a task?

Correct Answer: algorithm, an algorithm

Q2.
Match the components to their functions:

Correct Answer:Crumble,controls outputs and responds to inputs

controls outputs and responds to inputs

Correct Answer:Sparkle,produces light when connected to a circuit

produces light when connected to a circuit

Correct Answer:motor,produces motion when connected to a circuit

produces motion when connected to a circuit

Correct Answer:+ pad,connects to the positive side of an output

connects to the positive side of an output

Correct Answer:- pad,connects to the negative side of an output

connects to the negative side of an output

Q3.
What makes things move by using electricity?

Correct Answer: motor, a motor

Q4.
Arrange the steps to connect a motor to a Crumble:

1 - connect the motor to the output pads on the Crumble
2 - write a program to control the motor
3 - test the motor to ensure it works
4 - adjust the program to change the motor’s behaviour

Q5.
What is an infinite loop?

Correct answer: a sequence of instructions that repeats continually
a loop that runs a specific number of times
a loop that stops after one iteration
a loop that stores data

Q6.
What is a count-controlled loop used for?

to stop the program
to run code until a condition is met
to run code forever
Correct answer: to run code a specific number of times

Additional material

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