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      Building a data-driven application

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can build a simple application that uses predictions from a machine learning model to control program flow.

      Key learning points

      1. Program events can be triggered when recognition points are met.
      2. Program flow can be changed using blocks that detect if a recognition point has been met, or by using certainty values.

      Keywords

      • Recognition point - the level of certainty that causes an input to match a class

      • Program flow - the order in which the instructions in a program are executed

      Common misconception

      Building a machine learning app just means coding as you would do with any other programming project.

      Building a machine learning app involves data collection, model training and coding the application. These facets are integral in developing a machine learning app.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson discusses certainty points. This could be linked back to the quick draw example where the model said "I know..." and it may be worth pupils revisting this.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need micro:bits for this lesson and access to a device that can access CreateAI online.

      File needed for this lesson

      microbit-Oak 1.29 MB (HEX)

      Download this file to use in the lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the purpose of a null class in a machine learning model?

      to classify all data as unknown
      to improve the model's speed
      to reduce the number of classes
      Correct answer: to allow the model to recognise when data doesn't fit existing categories

      Q2.
      The process of removing or replacing outliers is called ...

      Correct Answer: data cleaning, cleaning

      Q3.
      Which of the following is not a method for improving a machine learning model?

      cleaning data
      adding a null class
      Correct answer: ignoring outliers
      training on diverse data

      Q4.
      What does it mean for data to be misclassified?

      The data is missing.
      The data is noisy.
      Correct answer: The model predicts the wrong class for the data.
      The data is too complex.

      Q5.
      To reduce uncertainty in a model's predictions, you can add a class.

      Correct Answer: null, ull

      Q6.
      Pair each problem with its solution.

      Correct Answer:outliers,data cleaning
      Correct Answer:misclassification,adding a null class
      Correct Answer:bias,use diverse data

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is a smiley face a suitable icon for a "good" movement?

      It uses fewer LEDs.
      Correct answer: It represents something positive.
      It's the default icon.

      Q2.
      What does the
      1
      is ML detected
      block do?
      Code colour

      It shows an icon.
      It plays a sound.
      Correct answer: It checks if a prediction reaches a certain level of certainty.
      It downloads the program.

      Q3.
      The level of certainty that causes an input to match a class is called the ...

      Correct Answer: recognition point

      Q4.
      The default recognition point in CreateAI is ...

      50%.
      60%.
      Correct answer: 80%.
      100%.

      Q5.
      Match the block with its function.

      Correct Answer:`show icon`,provides a visual output
      Correct Answer:`play sound`,provides an audio output
      Correct Answer:`is ML detected`,checks if a class is detected with a certain level of confidence
      Correct Answer:`certainty (in %)`,gives a numerical value for the model's confidence

      Q6.
      To use your machine learning model on the micro:bit, you need to your program to the device.

      Correct Answer: download, save

      To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Building a data-driven application, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...