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Climate and Sustainability
Coding for Climate Action (KS1)
Pupils explore how technology can be used to help mitigate the effects of climate action. Pupils use a pre-coded micro:bit to detect their environment e.g. movement such as shaking or rotating to simulate tornadoes or earthquakes. If over 50% of pupils’ micro:bits detect a stimulus, a warning will be triggered across all micro:bits.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Mitigating effects of natural hazards / climate action
Programming constructs developed: Input / Output
Subject knowledge developed: Networks and protocols / Hardware and software / Input, processing and output
Climate
Coding for Climate Action (KS2)
Pupils develop an early warning system, making use of micro:bit sensors to detect light, temperature or movement to represent a natural hazard such as an earthquake or wild file and design and develop an output warning message.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Mitigating effects of natural hazards / climate action
Programming constructs developed: Variables /
Sequence / Selection / Iteration / Logical expressions
Subject knowledge developed: Networks and protocols / Hardware and software
Coding for Climate Action (KS3)
Students develop an early warning system to predict incoming floods by coding a micro:bit to detect acceleration as if it were on a buoy in the ocean. They code tolerances to detect significant movement. In pairs, students then develop their own early wearing system for another natural hazard such as an earthquake or wildfire, using radio transmission to detect and display a warning message with consideration of accessibility requirements.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block & MakeCode/MicroPython
Context: Mitigating effects of natural hazards / climate action
Programming constructs developed: Variables /
Sequence / Selection / Iteration / Logical expressions / Functions
Subject knowledge developed:
Networks and protocols / Input, processing and output / Data logging
Nature
Hedgehog Hackers (KS1)
Pupils explore the natural world around them while hunting for hidden “hedgehogs”. Two sets of pre-coded micro:bits are used: hedgehogs and foxes. Pupils search for the hedgehog micro:bits which are hidden around a natural area, e.g an allotment using the fox micro:bit to help them - if a fox micro:bit gets too close to a hedgehog, the hedgehog will squeak! In the second half of the workshop pupils use another set of micro:bits that can detect light and temperature levels to investigate the best possible location for a hedgehog house.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Nature
Programming constructs developed: Input / Output
Subject knowledge developed: Networks and protocols / Hardware and software / Input, processing and output
National Schools Birdwatch (KS2)
Pupils work in pairs to code micro:bits to enable them to transmit frequencies of local bird species from one micro:bit to another. They use tallies and data logging to record their findings and explore multiple different inputs and sensors to enable them to increase the species they cna record. They extend their solutions to make use of arrays and indexes for efficiency.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Nature
Programming constructs developed: Variables /
Data structures / Sequence / Selection / Iteration / Logical expressions / Functions
Subject knowledge developed: Networks and protocols / Input, processing and output
Space requirements: Learning space proximity to outdoor area or separate classroom / corridor / library etc.
Nature
Physical Activity
Tackle Coding (KS2)
Pupils code a micro:bit to enable them to track physical activity including steps and acceleration. They use data logging to record exercise and performance and carry out data analysis using visualisations to make predictions. Pupils set goals and carry out physical activity to try to achieve them. They explore the importance of data collection in elite sports through the lens of women’s rugby.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Sport and Activity
Programming constructs developed: Variables /
Sequence / Selection / Iteration / Logical expressions
Subject knowledge developed: Input, processing and output / Data analysis
Space requirements: Open space for exercise such as a field, playground or hall.
Equipment requirements: Sports equipment such as cones, hoops, floor ladders, balls etc.
Pupils code a micro:bit to detect movement in different directions using the accelerometer and explore the importance of having steady movement in spaces such as the international space station. In teams they build an obstacle course and challenge each other to make it through the sequence of obstacles without losing too many lives within a timeframe. Pupils then work through a carousel of activities from other groups in the group and review and refine their solutions.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Space and astronaut fitness
Programming constructs developed: Variables /
Sequence / Selection / Iteration / Logical expressions
Subject knowledge developed: Input, processing and output / Data analysis
Speed of Light (KS2)
Students explore the importance of astronauts needing to strengthen their muscles and heart. They code a micro:bit to monitor their acceleration and enable it to prompt them when to run and rest when completing a beep test. They code a solution that beeps, indicating that they should run between bases, and receive messages to indicate when rest phases are required. They extend their solutions to record a top score so they can continue to strive to beat their best performance and develop fitness over time.
Programming environment: MakeCode / Block
Context: Space and astronaut fitness
Programming constructs developed: Variables /
Sequence / Selection / Iteration / Logical expressions
Subject knowledge developed: Input, processing and output / Data analysis
Space requirements: Open space for exercise such as a field, playground or hall.
Build an Astronaut Core (KS2)
Physical Activity
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