Introduction to physical computing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe physical computing and create a working circuit.
Key learning points
- Physical computing involves creating systems that interact with the real world using software and hardware.
- Microcontrollers are small programmable devices that can control electrical components like LEDs by running simple code.
- General purpose input output (GPIO) pins are used to interface with the real world.
- Embedded systems are used in a wide variety of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial machines.
Keywords
Physical computing - using code and electronic components to interact with the physical world
Microcontroller - a small computer on a single chip that’s designed to control simple devices and systems
Embedded systems - a computer built into a device to perform one specific task or a small set of tasks
GPIO pin - General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices
Common misconception
Physical computing is just about programming robots.
Physical computing is much broader than just robotics. It includes any system where a computer interacts with the physical world through sensors and actuators, for example wearable devices, environmental sensors and smart home devices.
Teacher tip
To make the hardware less intimidating spend time demystifying the components. Let students handle sensors, wires and boards before using them, and explain what each part does in simple terms to build confidence.
Equipment
Pupils will need a microcontroller and software to program it. They also need an electronics kit with breadboard. Examples in this lesson use the RPi Pico and Thonny https://oak.link/thonny
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an embedded system?
Q2.Which of these is an input device?
Q3.What does an output device do?
Q4.What is the term for the part of a system that changes input into output?
Q5.Match each term to its correct description:
sends signals into a system
shows results or actions
changes input into output
keeps data for later
Q6.Put these steps in order for how a simple embedded system works:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is physical computing?
Q2.What is the small programmable device used to control circuits and components in physical computing?
Q3.Match each example to its type:
physical computing
embedded system
GPIO pin
microcontroller
Q4.What does GPIO stand for?
Q5.Which statement best describes a circuit?
Q6.Put these steps in order for making an LED light up with a microcontroller:
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Introduction to physical computing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Introduction to physical computing, 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 4 computing lessons from the Using physical computing to create a robot buggy unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.