Connecting physical computing devices
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can control a simple circuit connected to a computer
Key learning points
- A simple circuit can be connected to and controlled by a microcontroller.
- Software is used to program a microcontroller.
- A microcontroller can be programmed to switch an LED on.
Keywords
Microcontroller - a small computer that can be programmed to control output components and respond to inputs
Crumble - a microcontroller which can control outputs and respond to inputs
Sparkle - an LED light that can connect to a Crumble
Common misconception
Any wire can connect any component and the circuit will work.
Specific pads must be connected correctly to complete a circuit. Circuits that are not complete will not work as charge will not be able to flow.
Teacher tip
Before the lesson, download �Year 5 Lesson 1 - Crumble flash white code.crm� to each Crumble controller. This will make the Sparkle flash white when your pupils correctly connect all the components and switch the battery pack on.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a microcontroller, crocodile clips, battery packs and Sparkle LEDs. Examples in this lesson use Crumble https://oak.link/crumble
File needed for this lesson
Year 5 Lesson 1 - Crumble flash white code 1.16 KB (CRM)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an input in computing?
Q2.Which of these is an example of output?
Q3.What does Scratch allow you to create?
Q4.What is an LED?
Q5.Which of these is needed to build a circuit?
Q6.What is block-based coding?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a microcontroller?
Q2.What is the name of the microcontroller that can control outputs and respond to inputs?
Q3.Match the terms to their definitions:
a small computer that controls outputs and inputs
a microcontroller that controls outputs and inputs
an LED light that connects to a Crumble
connects components in a circuit
Q4.Which of these is an output component?
Q5.What is the purpose of testing a circuit?
Q6.Which pad on the Crumble connects to the negative side of a Sparkle?
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Connecting physical computing devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Connecting physical computing devices, 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 Exploring selection in physical computing unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.