Ada Lovelace
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe Ada Lovelace's life and her contributions to modern day computing
Key learning points
- Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended for implementation on a machine
- Ada Lovelace is considered the first computer programmer.
- Ada Lovelace's work laid the foundation for modern computing including programming on a micro:bit.
- Ada Lovelace is celebrated today as an inspiration to those working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
- An algorithm is a set of instructions for a machine.
Keywords
Programming - the process of designing and building an executable computer programme.
Algorithm - a set of instructions designed to perform a specific task.
Analytical Engine - an early but unfinished computer
STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
Common misconception
Ada Lovelace invented the first computer.
While Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm, she did not invent the first computer. Micro:bits demonstate the principles that Ada Lovelace worked on.
Teacher tip
Research events and modern female technologists inspired by Ada Lovelace around Ada Lovelace Day - the second Tuesday of every October. Themes discussed within the lesson include absent father, dying of cancer at an early age and care must be taken when discussing this with pupils.
Equipment
Pencils
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do you connect a micro:bit to a computer?
Q2.What is block-based programming?
Q3.What is an input device?
Q4.What does debugging a program mean?
Q5.How can we learn from history?
Q6.How can learning about the lives of inspiring people help us?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is an algorithm?
Q2.What is Ada Lovelace known for in computing history?
Q3.Why is Ada Lovelace's work significant today?
Q4.Who worked with Ada Lovelace on the Analytical Engine?
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Ada Lovelace, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Ada Lovelace, 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.
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