Designing a physical computing project
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design a physical computing project and break down its functionality into simpler features.
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.
Teacher tip
Draw parallels to other subjects and find out why planning is is an important step that can help organise your thoughts before starting.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software that can be used to program a physcial controller. Examples in this lesson use Microsoft MakeCode https://oak.link/makecode
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How is the micro:bit powered?
Q2.Match the micro:bit hardware components to their functions.
Q3.What grid on the micro:bit is used to display text, numbers or patterns?
Q4.What device can detect things like light, temperature or movement?
Q5.What is a circuit?
Q6.What should you do before starting a physical computing project?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why might someone think planning isn’t necessary?
Q2.Why is it important to consider the audience when designing a physical computing project?
Q3.What word means to simplify a problem into smaller parts?
Q4.Match the terms to their correct description.
Q5.Which of the following is an example of decomposing a task?
Q6.Arrange the steps for planning and completing a physical computing project in the correct order.
To help you plan your 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 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.