Reflecting on a physical computing project
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can complete and reflect on my successful physical computing project and explore other devices.
Key learning points
- A guide is often produced alongside a physical computing project to document how the project was created.
- Different physical computing devices have different features and capabilities.
- Choosing the correct device for a project depends on the requirements of the project.
Keywords
Prototype - an early model of a program or digital system
Device - a physical machine that can perform computations and process information electronically
Common misconception
There is no point in doing an evaluation once a project is finished as you are not going to go back and make any more changes.
Evaluations help learning by understanding your creative process and finding ways to improve. This often informs projects that you do in the future.
Teacher tip
Facilitate a class discussion where students share their reflections on the project and discuss the challenges and successes they experienced. This could involve a showcase of the poject they made.
Equipment
Pupils need access to a physical computing project they have completed previously. If they have not completed a project use a premade example project many of which are freely available online.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a hardware component?
Q2.What is an example of input?
Q3.What does LED stand for?
Q4.What does it mean to decompose a task?
Q5.Order the steps to transfer a program to the micro:bit.
Q6.What is the role of a prototype?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for an early model of a system?
Q2.Match the terms to their definitions:
Q3.What does documentation involve?
Q4.Why are evaluations important in a project?
Q5.What does it mean to reflect on a project?
Q6.How can comparing different physical computing devices be beneficial?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Reflecting on 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: Reflecting on 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.