- Year 7
Creating programs on a physical computing device
I can describe the hardware of a physical computing device and write a simple program for it.
- Year 7
Creating programs on a physical computing device
I can describe the hardware of a physical computing device and write a simple program for it.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Physical computers make use of hardware components to carry out actions in the real world.
- Hardware components can be programmed on the micro:bit to carry out actions.
- The micro:bit emulator allows you to test block-based code before downloading it.
- Programs for the micro:bit can be transfered to the device using a USB cable.
Keywords
Hardware component - a physical part of a computer or device that helps perform its function, such as wires, buttons, or an LED display
Input - data that is sent to a program to be processed
Output - information produced by a computer system as a result of processing data
Common misconception
Computers always have screens so that the user knows what processing has been performed.
Computers can carry actions using a variety of output devices. Physical computers are often used to carry out physical actions based on detected inputs so do not need a screen to display information.
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Creating programs on a physical computing device, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Creating programs on a physical computing device, 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 3 computing lessons from the Physical computing using the micro:bit unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Access to a device that connects to the internet to use the https://makecode.microbit.org/ website. It would also be beneficial for pupils to have access to a micro:bit and a USB cable.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an example of an input device?
Q2.Which of the following is an example of an output?
Q3.What is the purpose of an 'if statement' in programming?
Q4.Which of the following is an example of a condition that can be used in an if statement?
Q5.What will be the output of the following Python code?
1234567
age = 15
if age >= 18:
print("You can vote!")
else:
print("You cannot vote yet.")
Code colourWhen programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
When programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
Q6.Which of the following are valid ways to represent a condition in Python?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements about the micro:bit is true?
Q2.Where do you write programs for the micro:bit?
Q3.Which component of the micro:bit is used to display information like numbers or letters?
Q4.What is the purpose of the buttons on the micro:bit?
Q5.Which sensor on the micro:bit can detect how much light is falling on it?
Q6.Match the micro:bit component to its function.
measures movement and detects gestures
detects magnetic north
allows communication with other micro:bits
can be used for both input and output