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Is it worth converting to LPG? Fuel efficiency
Use mathematical calculations to decide whether it is worth switching to an alternative fuel
Can data be used to determine whether it is worth converting to LPG?
This activity will encourage students to use their problem-solving skills. Understanding what information is needed and how to use the information is a key part of problem solving.
Download our free fuel consumption worksheet below to take part in this engaging activity. This is a great way for GCSE students to learn about fuel efficiency and develop their problem-solving skills.
Students should to read the problem on the first slide of the presentation. Let them think about what criteria they can use to decide whether it’s worth converting to LPG. They should take into account the annual mileage, price of petrol or LPG at the local station and size of the car in question.
They should consider the amount of money saved by converting vs the cost of the conversion. Some students may want to examine the time it would take to recover the cost of converting the car. They also need to be aware that “a car uses 10% more LPG than petrol when driving the same distance.”
Discussion points
Encourage discussion about which type of car saves most and get them to think about why this is. Remember they all do the same annual mileage! If students don’t consider recovering the cost of conversion, then prompt them at some point.
Extending the problem
It is possible to use the spreadsheet to produce a graph showing how the savings vary with annual mileage. Students could investigate the fluctuations in LPG and petrol prices over time to see if this would influence their decision.
Potential GCSE content covered
In this activity learners will use and apply calculations, use compound measures, calculate the percentage of an amount and consider the application of algebra to spreadsheets.
What is LPG?
LPG is a by-product of crude oil extraction and the refining process. Many people who consider LPG as an alternative to petrol do so because they believe that the combustion of propane results in lower carbon dioxide emissions. In terms of fuel costs, LPG costs a little more than half the price of petrol or diesel, but fuel economy is about 20-25% lower. Therefore, the overall running costs of an LPG car is approximately a third less than a petrol only car – but only once you’ve recovered the cost of the conversion.
All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Coding a geometric construction
Following coded instructions for bisecting an angle
In this activity students will learn how to code a geometric construction. They’ll do this by matching a set of instructions to the correct geometric construction.
Learners will be introduced to the concept of Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines. They’ll also be taught about the role of coding in executing precise tasks, such as bisecting an angle.
This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in maths or design & technology (D&T).
Activity: Following coded instructions for bisecting an angle
Students will use Robocompass, a web tool that lets leaners simulate geometric constructions on a computer screen. They will match each diagram with the correct instruction and arrange them so that they can create a storyboard of how to draw and bisect an angle.
Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about coding a geometric construction.
The engineering context
Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines follow pre-programmed instructions to execute tasks with precision, much like the coded geometric constructions students will work on in this activity. For example, CNC machines are used by engineers in manufacturing industries for common tasks such as cutting, drilling, and shaping materials.
Suggested learning outcomes
Students will learn how to bisect an angle while also learning how coded instructions can be used to execute geometric constructions.
Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources for free!
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.
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Motorsport data analysis
Get ready to apply mathematical skills to interpret data, analyse graphs, and uncover the secrets behind the success of motor racing teams.
By the end of this activity, learners will gain a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its real-world applications while also developing your data analysis and graph interpretation abilities.
The printable worksheet contains a GCSE maths lesson plan for secondary school teachers or parents. The presentation includes the relevant graph for this activity and corresponding questions designed for students’ engagement. Allow the students some time to read the task and consider the questions. You can give the students a paper copy of the graph.
Students will need to interpret and read the graph to answer the questions. They must consider what the information displayed in the graph can tell them about the motor race.
For the final task, students must find 107% of 1hr 20min. One approach would be to convert the time to minutes before finding 107%.
Once students have worked out how long the car has left, they will need to use this information to calculate the distance remaining.
Discussion points
Encourage discussion about the answers to the bullet points. Compare the different assumptions they have made and their approaches, particularly with the final task.
Extending the problem
You could ask the students to make a commentary to accompany the graph or examine relevant GCSE questions. Consider using graphs that show more than one vehicle and introduce overtaking and other features.
Potential GCSE content
This activity will cover interpreting graphs and data, speed/distance/time and estimating.
Download the free activity sheet !
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Four experiments with magnets
Super simple fun science experiments
These four fun science experiments using magnets are quick and easy to set up, suitable for learning at home or school. Your students will measure the effects of magnetism as magnets pass through tubes made of different materials; create a visual demonstration of Chaos theory with magnets affecting the swing of a pendulum; feel “attract” and “repel” forces of magnetism by placing magnets on either side of their hand, and use the magnetic field to make an object move as if it is alive.
These four practical experiments demonstrate various different scientific principles related to magnets and magnetism, including:
electromagnetic induction
magnetic fields
chaos theory.
Tools/resources required
Projector/Whiteboard
Magnet kit
2 neodymium magnets
plastic radiator pipe sleeves
copper plumbing pipe
Sticky tape
Blu-tack
Steel nut
Cotton thread
Chairs
This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce the effects of magnetism and magnetic fields, or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on different types of forces. These experiments could also be used as an introduction to power generation or the potential uses of magnets in Design and Technology and Engineering projects.
This activity sheet was developed with the support and participation of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Product integration - Design the casing for your food temperature probe
In this activity students will design a prototype for a casing and housing a food temperature probe.
The activity can be used as a follow-on activity from our Micro:bit food temperature probe design project. It’s part of a series of resources which support the use of the BBC micro:bit in design and technology (DT) or computing lessons.
Activity: Designing the casing for a food temperature probe
This activity tasks students with turning a BBC micro:bit food temperature probe into a finished product.
Students will need to consider aesthetics and ergonomics, how it can securely enclose and fit the food temperature probe, and also which materials should be used that are fit for purposes. Students will sketch their casing ideas, adding notes explaining their design choices.
Students can also create a prototype of their design using modelling materials (e.g., card).
Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on product integration.
The engineering context
Integrating programmable systems within products is an important part of the design process when working with electronic products and systems. Not only does the system have to function correctly, the finished product also has to be commercially viable in the sense that it must be cost-efficient to manufacture, and attractive enough for potential customers to want to buy.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to develop a design for a fully integrated electronic product. They’ll also be able to annotate their ideas using technical language.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation
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Micro:bit food temperature probe project
Creating a working prototype of a food temperature probe
This activity tasks students with using the micro:bit to develop a prototype for a food temperature probe that will warn people when their food is too cold.
It’s an ideal lesson for introducing students to programming, allowing them to develop their skills, make use of programmable components and even embed intelligence into a product’s design.
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in design and technology (DT) or computing lessons. It can be taught as a main lesson activity with Programmable systems as a starter activity, and Product integration as an extension activity.
Activity: Creating a working prototype of a food temperature probe
The activity starts with students being briefed on the importance of food being prepared or cooked to the correct temperature. Too cold and it could cause food poisoning, too hot and it could burn. Learners will then be asked to use this knowledge to develop a temperature monitoring system using the BBC micro:bit.
The engineering context
Being able to accurately monitor temperature is important within several industries including food, healthcare, electronics, energy, defence and chemical manufacturing. Engineers must therefore design systems that can not only easily monitor temperature but also automatically trigger warnings (such as alarms) or safety mechanisms (such as cooling systems) to regulate temperature.
Suggested learning outcomes
Learners will be able to understand a block systems diagram of the food temperature probe system. They’ll be able to successfully program the BBC micro:bit so that the system meets the design criteria, being able to choose appropriate inputs and output device for the system they’ve designed.
Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.
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Programmable systems - How much do you know about programmable systems?
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
It is very important that food is prepared or cooked to the correct temperature. Too cold and it could cause food poisoning, too hot and it could burn. A temperature probe can be used to check that the temperature of food is at the right level.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a food temperature probe that will warn people when their food is too cold.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will recall and extend their understanding of programmable systems.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Develop a programmable counter
Investigate a decade counter circuit and compare it to a programmable counter
This resource is part of a collection that supports using the BBC micro:bit for Design and Technology lessons.
In this activity, students will investigate a decade counter circuit. They will then compare the operation of this to their programmable counter.
Learners may need to recap basic circuit symbols and the use of circuit diagrams before attempting this activity.
If students have not used circuit simulation software previously, they may benefit from a teacher demonstration of this. Any circuit simulation software that is available in school and that supports decade counters can be used. Popular examples are Circuit Wizard and Yenka.
The teacher may need to check the circuits drawn by learners prior to them testing the circuits, to ensure that they have been correctly drawn, and therefore the test results are accurate.
If learners encounter switch bounce they could investigate the issue further and look at ways to reduce it.
This is an ideal exercise for learners to develop their technical knowledge related to the use of decade counters in electronics and compare their operation to similar programmable systems.
This is a quick and simple activity that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Tools/resources required
Projector/Whiteboard
Exercise books or folders
Circuit simulation software (e.g. Circuit Wizard, Yenka etc.)
What is the BBC micro:bit?
The BBC micro:bit is a small, programmable computer that was designed for education purposes. It was developed by the BBC in partnership with several technology companies, including Microsoft and ARM. The micro:bit features an LED display, buttons, sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile tool for teaching programming, electronics and other STEM subjects. It is popular in schools around the world and has been used to create a wide range of projects, from simple games to complex robotics. The micro:bit is also affordable and accessible, with many free resources and tutorials available online for students and teachers to use.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity students will be able to simulate and test the operation of a decade counter circuit and they will be able to compare and contrast hardware based electronic counters with programmable counters.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Design a prototype score counter
Use the BBC micro:bit programmable system to create a working prototype of a score counter
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Some people enjoy taking part in quizzes in their spare time. Keeping an accurate score of points gained by each team, or player, is important when deciding who the overall winner is. Programmable counter systems can be used to do this quickly and easily, and reduce the likelihood of human error.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a programmable counter that can be used to keep score during a quiz.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will integrate a BBC micro:bit based programmable system into a working product prototype.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Learning more about programmable systems
Students discuss what they do and don’t know about programmable systems
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Some people enjoy taking part in quizzes in their spare time. Keeping an accurate score of points gained by each team, or player, is important when deciding who the overall winner is. Programmable counter systems can be used to do this quickly and easily, and reduce the likelihood of human error.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a programmable counter that can be used to keep score during a quiz.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will self-assess and plan how to extend their current knowledge of programmable systems.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Design a new robot that could help people in the future
In this activity, learners will design a new robot that could help people in the future.
Programmable robotic systems are becoming an important part of industrial developments in design and technology. Robots are now being developed that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly.
As such, this lesson asks students to explore how electronic and mechanical systems can be integrated to create functioning products like a robot.
This lesson can be followed by Programming the robot buggy with the BBC micro:bit, where learners use the micro:bit to develop a robotic buggy that can successfully navigate a maze or path. These resources are part of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in computing and design & technology (D&T).
Activity: Designing a new robot that could help people in the future
Students will first look at existing robots that are used to help people in our Future Robots presentation and then brainstorm how robots could further assist people in the future.
Learners are tasked with designing a robot that’s unique. Their robot must include both electronic (e.g., programmable circuit board) and mechanical (e.g., motors for movement) parts and they students must explain how these systems work together.
They can use our Future Robot Design handout to draw their robots, adding notes explaining how the electronic and mechanical systems function. Students should use technical language and justify their design decisions (explaining input/output placement, materials, construction methods, etc.).
Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on how to design a robot.
The engineering context
Robotics is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the programme of study for Design and Technology at key stage 3.
It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners.
Suggested learning outcomes
Students will be able to design a robot that can help people in the future. They’ll also improve their understanding of how electronic and mechanical systems can be integrated to create functioning products.
Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation for free.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.
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Programming the robot buggy with the BBC micro:bit
Work as a team to program the robot buggy so that it can navigate a maze path
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Programmable robotic systems are becoming an important part of industrial developments in Design and Technology. Robots are now being developed that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a robotic buggy that can successfully navigate a maze or path.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will work as a team to program the robot buggy so that it can navigate a maze path.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Navigating a maze - Create a set of clear instructions to navigate a maze path
Create a set of clear instructions to navigate a maze path
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Programmable robotic systems are becoming an important part of industrial developments in Design and Technology. Robots are now being developed that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a robotic buggy that can successfully navigate a maze or path.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will create a set of clear instructions to help their partner navigate a maze path.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Test and modify the pedestrian crossing system
Create and implement a set of tests for your prototype
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Hundreds of people are killed in accidents on roads in the United Kingdom every year. When schools are situated close to roads there is particular danger to children crossing them. A good, well programmed pedestrian control system can minimise risk and enable people to cross the road safely.
In this unit of learning, learners will integrate a BBC micro:bit based programmable system into a working product prototype.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will create and implement a set of tests for their prototype and suggest possible improvements.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Micro:bit traffic light project
Creating a pedestrian crossing system
This activity tasks students with creating a scale model and working prototype for a pedestrian crossing system for a school, using the BBC micro:bit.
This micro:bit traffic light project is an ideal activity for teaching students how to integrate a programmable system into a product design. It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in computing and design & technology (D&T).
Hundreds of people are killed in accidents on roads in the United Kingdom every year. When schools are situated close to roads there is particular danger to children crossing them. A good, well programmed pedestrian control system can minimise risk and enable people to cross the road safely.
The engineering context
Designing and prototyping are essential processes used by engineers for research and development in manufacturing and product design. Students will how learn how elements of electrical, software and systems engineering can come together to create one final product that can be used by society.
Suggested learning outcomes
This activity will teach students to integrate a programmable system into a prototype scale model. It will help students develop modelling and prototyping skills, allowing them to show creativity and the ability to avoid stereotypical responses when creating design solutions.
Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources for free!
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation
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Golden rules for programmable systems
Create five rules for learning about programmable systems
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Hundreds of people are killed in accidents on roads in the United Kingdom every year. When schools are situated close to roads there is particular danger to children crossing them. A good, well programmed pedestrian control system can minimise risk and enable people to cross the road safely.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a pedestrian crossing for a local secondary school.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will create five ‘golden rules’ for others learning about the topic of programmable systems.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Energy use of everyday appliances
Understand the relationship between energy transferred, power and time
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Reducing energy usage in the home saves money, increases energy security and reduces the need to burn unsustainable fossil fuels. The first step in doing this is monitoring how much energy is used each day.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a home energy usage monitoring system that will inform people how long they leave their lights and/or heating on during the day.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will calculate the amount of electrical energy used by one or more of their appliances in the home.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the free activity sheet!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Design a home energy system
Use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a home energy monitoring system that will inform people of how long they leave their lights and/or heating on during the day.
In this activity, learners will develop their energy monitoring system using the BBC micro:bit.
This is an ideal exercise for learners to develop programming skills, make use of programmable components and embed intelligence into a product design.
This is a versatile activity that can be attempted by learners as individuals, in pairs or in small groups.
If learners have not seen or used a block systems diagram before it might be necessary to describe this in more detail (i.e., what is meant by input, process, output etc.)
This activity will take approximately 60 – 120 minutes depending on ability and prior experience of learners.
Tools/resources required
Projector/Whiteboard
BBC micro:bit system and online programming software
Internet (to access programming software)
Suitable input devices
Crocodile clips or other wiring options (to attach input and/or output devices)
What is the BBC micro:bit?
The BBC micro:bit is a great way to get kids interested in computing. It is a small, programmable computer that can be used to create a wide variety of activities and projects. It is a powerful teaching and learning tool that helps learners develop their own systems and learn the basics of coding. It is an ideal tool for introducing children to programming concepts in a fun and engaging way.
When writing the program, those who have not done programming before may benefit from writing, experimenting with and downloading the example program shown on the Teacher PowerPoint. They can use this as a base for their own program.
The engineering context
Home energy usage is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the 2014 programme of study for Design and Technology at KS3.
It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners.
Download the free Design a home energy system activity sheet!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Sketch it out
Learners to demonstrate existing knowledge of sustainability issues in Design and Technology
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Reducing energy usage in the home saves money, increases energy security and reduces the need to burn unsustainable fossil fuels. The first step in doing this is monitoring how much energy is used each day.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a home energy usage monitoring system that will inform people how long they leave their lights and/or heating on during the day.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will demonstrate their existing knowledge of sustainability issues in Design and Technology.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Testing the beep tester
Modify and improve the beep tester design
This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons.
Technology can be used in sports to enhance performance and help participants to improve their fitness and stamina. For example, automated beep tests can be used to monitor fitness levels during training sessions, and set targets for future improvement.
In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for an electronic beep test that can be used to help people monitor and improve their fitness levels.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will test their product against the design criteria and suggest possible improvements.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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