Connecting physical computing devices
I can control a simple circuit connected to a computer
Connecting physical computing devices
I can control a simple circuit connected to a computer
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Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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.
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.
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
Licence
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