Input and output design decisions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can choose inputs and outputs for my micro:bit alarm system.
Key learning points
- A micro:bit alarm could include onboard inputs such as an accelerometer, magnetometer or light sensor.
- A micro:bit alarm could include offboard inputs such as a photoresistor or push-to-make switch.
- A micro:bit alarm could include onboard outputs such as an LED display or speaker.
- A micro:bit alarm could include offboard outputs such as buzzers or LED lights.
- Design decisions need to be made as to what a designer wants the micro:bit to do.
Keywords
Onboard components - different parts of a product that are already built into a micro:bit
Offboard components - different parts of a product that can be attached to a micro:bit
Accelerometer - a device that measures how quickly something is speeding up or slowing down
Design decisions - the choices made when creating a product
Common misconception
Sensors on a micro:bit work automatically.
Micro:bits need a program to control the sensors.
Teacher tip
Consider what resources the school has to be able to offer the pupils before providing them with the opportunity to consider their choices.
Equipment
Laptops/chromebooks, micro:bits, battery packs, USB leads, LED lights, wires, crocodile clips, offboard componetns can all be displayed for choices but this is optional.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an input in an electrical system?
Q2.Which of these is an output in an electrical system?
Q3.What is the role of a light-dependent resistor (LDR)?
Q4.What is an example of an onboard input for a micro:bit?
Q5.What is an example of an offboard input for a micro:bit?
Q6.What should you have a basic understanding of before programming a micro:bit?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is an example of an offboard output for a micro:bit?
Q2.Which component is an onboard input for a micro:bit alarm?
Q3.Why is it important to choose the right inputs and outputs for a system?
Q4.What are design decisions?
To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Input and output design decisions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Input and output design decisions, 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 2 design and technology lessons from the Systems and control: sensor alarms unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.