Designing a physical computing project
I can design a physical computing project and break down its functionality into simpler features.
Designing a physical computing project
I can design a physical computing project and break down its functionality into simpler features.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Design a physical computing project that solves a problem for a specific audience using available resources.
- Break down a complex task into smaller, simpler steps.
Keywords
Audience - the intended users of the physical computing project
Decompose - the process of breaking down a large task into several subtasks
Common misconception
Planning a physical computing project slows you down and does not need to be thought of before starting what you want to make.
A plan helps you think through the steps, figure out what you need, and make sure your project turns out how you want it to. If you don't plan, you could end up making mistakes that will mean your project doesn't turn out how you would like.
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Designing a physical computing project, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Designing a physical computing project, 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
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
provide input to programs through user interaction
detect motion and tilt
detect magnetic north for navigation
connect external devices like motors
play sounds or music
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the intended users of a physical computing project
breaking a large task into smaller, manageable subtasks
a detailed plan outlining the goals and steps of a project