Developing a physical computing project
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build and improve a physical computing project based on my plan and feedback.
Key learning points
- Build a physical computing device based on a design plan.
- Improve a project by incorporating feedback and making changes.
Keywords
Audience - the intended users of the physical computing project
Prototype - an early model of a program or digital system
Common misconception
Building a physical computing project is just about putting the parts together. The code is not that important.
The code tells the hardware what to do and how to interact with the world, without the code it wouldn't move or do anything interesting!
Teacher tip
Ask students to experiment with modifying the code and observing how it changes the behavior of their project. This helps them understand the connection between the code and the physical actions of the device.
Equipment
Pupils will need components, craft materials and a block-based programming software that can be used to program a physcial controller. Examples use Microsoft MakeCode https://oak.link/makecode
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the small computer used in many physical computing projects?
Q2.What do you call the device that detects temperature, motion or light in a project?
Q3.Which part of the micro:bit can detect light levels?
Q4.What is the first step when starting a project?
Q5.Why is it important to follow a plan when building your project?
Q6.What should you do if you receive feedback about your project that suggests changes?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do you call a project’s first version that helps test the project’s ideas?
Q2.What does a prototype allow you to do in a project?
Q3.Match each step with its correct description.
organise and define goals, resources and design details
develop a rough version of your project to test ideas
check how the prototype works and consider possible improvements
make improvements and adjustments
Q4.Why is it important to build a prototype before completing the final project?
Q5.What is an important feature of a good prototype?
Q6.Put the steps for building and improving a physical computing project in the correct order.
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Developing 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: Developing 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.