Welcome to my TES shop! I am a subject leader for ICT & Computer Science, creating and sharing resources to support teachers in delivering ICT, Computer Science, Computational Thinking and the Digital Competence Framework. For more resources, visit robbotresources.com
email: carl@robbotresources.com
Welcome to my TES shop! I am a subject leader for ICT & Computer Science, creating and sharing resources to support teachers in delivering ICT, Computer Science, Computational Thinking and the Digital Competence Framework. For more resources, visit robbotresources.com
email: carl@robbotresources.com
Within this short unit of work, students will learn the following:
To understand why subroutines are used.
To explain the difference between a procedure and a function.
To explain the purpose of a local and global variable.
To understand how to write a subroutine.
Learning is consolidated with a series of differentiated subroutine algorithm tasks that challenge students on their understanding of algorithms and subroutines.
It is highly recommended that students complete the Rob-Bot Resources KS4 Algorithm Design unit of work before completing this unit.
Introduce your students to key graphic design and animation techniques using these two resources! No prior experience needed, the aim of these tutorials is to introduce complete beginners to using Fireworks graphic design software!
Start your students on learning the basic concepts of graphic design. In this tutorial they will learn how to:
create a new canvas and edit it
add vector shapes
layering
using creative shape fills
using filters
group shapes and images
add an external image onto Fireworks
use the magic wand tool
transform an image
use the brush tool
add text
use the eraser
zoom in and out
Challenge tasks to demonstrate the use of each skill have been included.
Once your students have grasped these skills, introduce them to frame-by-frame animation. In this tutorial they will learn how to:
prepare a document for animating
use states
use the onion skin tool
create frame-by-frame animation
save an animation project
convert an animation into a gif
create a new scene
An animation challenge and extension task has been included within this tutorial too.
**What is an array? How are they used within algorithms?! **
Within this short unit of work (2-3 lessons) students will learn:
what an array is and how they are used.
to create, edit, input and output information to and from an array.
to use both one and two dimensional arrays
As well as activities and tasks within the lessons, final differentiated (Rookie, Pro and Beast level) challenges have been included to consolidate learning.
All required resources are included within the PowerPoint. There are some items that require printing within the resource section at the end.
It is recommended that this resources is used after completing GCSE 9-1 Computer Science: KS4 Algorithm Design
This lesson gives students a clear understanding of the required data types which are expected to be known for GCSE 9-1 computer science. Within this unit of work, students will learn:
To understand the different types of data used within algorithms e.g.
Integer
Real
Boolean
Character
String
To understand how variables are used to store data.
To understand how to analyse and edit string: measuring the length of a string, string indexing and changing case.
A range of activities and challenges are included to allow students to consolidate their learning. Solutions are also included.
Use this lesson alongside my KS4 algorithms work to give students a comprehensive understanding of how data types are used within algorithms!
This unit of work introduces students within KS3 to the concepts of computational thinking by helping Rob-bot the robot make a jam sandwich. Through the activity, students will learn about decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithm design (through both basic flowcharts and pseudo code). They will also lean about the importance of debugging their algorithms.
The duration of this work usually takes between 2-3 hours to complete, so is perfect as an introductory unit to computational thinking and programming.
***Please leave a review!***
This comprehensive unit of work introduces the concepts of computational thinking to students at KS4. It covers all elements of computational thinking such as Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Abstraction and Algorithmic Design. I have also included debugging within the work.
Each section is explained and followed by tasks to help develop student understanding. I have also included a ‘supermarket sweep’ computational thinking problem and a final project exercise which has three levels of difficulty.
2018 Update: Improved Grammar and clarity of task requirement.
***Please leave a review!***
Within this unit of work, students will learn how to apply the concepts of computational thinking to a range of different problem solving puzzles. The resource is split into four sections;
1. Computational thinking puzzles - a range of different types of puzzles which encourage students to apply the concepts of computational thinking to solve them. Puzzles include mazes, word ladders and even a game of draughts (or checkers)!
2. Logic Gates - students will need to solve the logic gate puzzles to identify if the output is on (1) or off (0) dependent on the gate sequences. This also helps develop Boolean decision making through the use of AND, OR & NOT gates which produce a TRUE (1) or FALSE (0) output.
3. Flowchart puzzles - students need to work out the correct answers to the questions asked dependent on the input information and the flowchart conditions set. Flowcharts include the use of algebra variables which can help support mathematics students.
4. Pseudo code puzzles - students need to read through the pseudo code algorithms and demonstrate their understanding by answering the questions asked. Pseudo code sequences include the use of algebra variables which can help support mathematics students.
Each puzzle is given a score. Once complete students check their answers and work out their overall scores and place them in the grid provided. They then compare this with the overall levels to find their overall level: Rookie, Pro or Beast! This can then be used within assessment to see if students are performing at, below or above expected levels.
Pack includes a student PowerPoint resource to complete and answers for each puzzle.
***Please Leave a Review!***
Part 1 of a series of 7 introductory lessons on how to use Python through the use of the IDLE GUI.
Within Part 1 you will learn how to output information using the print function, how to express and use the two common data types used within programming; string and integers and how to conduct mathematical calculation on both types of data.
Learn new programming skills through clearly presented explanations before applying your newly developed skills within a series of easy to follow tasks, explained through written explanations as well as flowcharts and/or pseudo code.
Each unit in this series is fully differentiated using Rob-Bot Resources’ unique Rookie, Pro and Beast leveling system; apply your new programming skills by completing the introductory Rookie tasks. Once you've got a grip of the basics, push yourself by completing the Pro exercises before finally testing your skills by completing the Beast scenarios.
Once you have completed the practice tasks it’s time to test your skills within the differentiated programming challenges!
All task and challenge coding solutions are also included.
Suitable for both KS3 and KS4 classes.
***Please leave a review :) ***
Introduction to computer systems for Year 7 students.
The aim of this unit of work is to introduce year 7 students to the basic concepts of computer systems.
What are we learning?
To show understanding of the difference between input and output devices with suitable examples.
To understand the difference between internal and external devices with suitable examples.
To describe the different types of storage: Magnetic, Optical and Solid State.
To understand the role and purpose of the CPU and the relationship with RAM (Fetch-Execute Cycle).
To show an understanding of an embedded system including suitable examples.
This unit of work includes a range of information and activities to develop student knowledge and understanding of computer systems.
A final assessment is also included.
Teacher answer powerpoint also included.
**Please leave a review!
Part 6 of a series of 7 introductory lessons on how to use Python through the use of the IDLE GUI.
Within Part 6 you will learn how to edit string in a wide range of ways using python functions, for example, count elements, replace letters, use variable indexing, titling text and changing the casing . This resource builds on the skills learned within previous resources within the Rob-Bot Resources Introduction to Python Programming series.
Learn new programming skills through clearly presented explanations before applying your newly developed skills within a series of easy to follow tasks, explained through written explanations as well as flowcharts and/or pseudo code.
Each unit in this series is fully differentiated using Rob-Bot Resources’ unique Rookie, Pro and Beast leveling system; apply your new programming skills by completing the introductory Rookie tasks. Once you've got a grip of the basics, push yourself by completing the Pro exercises before finally testing your skills by completing the Beast scenarios.
Once you have completed the practice tasks it’s time to test your skills within the differentiated programming challenges!
All task and challenge coding solutions are also included.
Suitable for both KS3 and KS4 classes.
***Please leave a review :) ***
Introduction to computer systems for year 8 students.
The aim of this unit of work is to build upon the knowledge and understanding of computer systems developed within KS3 Computer Science: Computer Systems Year 7.
What are we learning?
Explain factors affecting CPU performance.
Clock Speed
Cache Size
Number of Cores
RAM, ROM and Virtual Memory – understanding of differences between volatile and non-volatile memory.
Explain factors affecting secondary storage.
Cost
Capacity
Speed
Portability
Understand the Fetch – Execute Cycle.
This unit of work includes a range of information and activities to develop student knowledge and understanding of computer systems.
A final assessment is also included.
Teacher answer powerpoint also included.
**Please leave a review!
This versatile resources is aimed to develop your GCSE Computer Science retrieval skills and practice a range of fundamental skills which consistently appear within GCSE Computer Science exams. This resource is an ideal revision activity and includes a pack of 10 activity sheets within both PowerPoint and PDF format.
I have included three different versions:
Student pack - activity sheets only
Teacher pack - answers (with explanations) only
Student self assessment pack - both activity and answers
Skills covered include:
ASCII conversion
Understanding binary and hexadecimal values
Binary, denary and hexadecimal conversion
Huffman coding
Binary addition
Memory size conversions
These activities can be used as classroom starters, homework or as main classroom activities.
It is recommended that these activities are used to practice and assess students ability to perform these skills, not as an introduction.
Please leave a review!!!
Part 2 of a series of 7 introductory lessons on how to use Python through the use of the IDLE GUI.
Within Part 2 you will build on the skills learned within part 1 and combine them with the use of variables. You will learn how to assign different types of data to them as well as how to output and edit them through using a series of common python functions.
Learn new programming skills through clearly presented explanations before applying your newly developed skills within a series of easy to follow tasks, explained through written explanations as well as flowcharts and/or pseudo code.
Each unit in this series is fully differentiated using Rob-Bot Resources’ unique Rookie, Pro & Beast leveling system; apply your new programming skills by completing the introductory Rookie tasks. Once you've got a grip of the basics, push yourself by completing the Pro exercises before finally testing your skills by completing the Beast scenarios.
Once you have completed the practice tasks it’s time to test your skills within the differentiated programming challenges!
All task and challenge coding solutions are also included.
Suitable for both KS3 and KS4 classes.
***Please leave a review :) ***
Part 5 of a series of 7 introductory lessons on how to use Python through the use of the IDLE GUI.
Within Part 5 you will learn how to create, use and edit arrays (within python they are known as lists) through the use of a range of python functions.
Learn new programming skills through clearly presented explanations before applying your newly developed skills within a series of easy to follow tasks, explained through written explanations as well as flowcharts and/or pseudo code.
Each unit in this series is fully differentiated using Rob-Bot Resources’ unique Rookie, Pro and Beast leveling system; apply your new programming skills by completing the introductory Rookie tasks. Once you've got a grip of the basics, push yourself by completing the Pro exercises before finally testing your skills by completing the Beast scenarios.
Once you have completed the practice tasks it’s time to test your skills within the differentiated programming challenges!
All task and challenge coding solutions are also included.
Suitable for both KS3 and KS4 classes.
***Please leave a review :) ***
Part 7 of a series of 7 introductory lessons on how to use Python through the use of the IDLE GUI.
Within Part 7 you will learn how to improve the efficiency of your coding by writing loop functions. You will learn how to write two different types of loop sequences; While loops and For loops. This work builds upon and applies concepts learned within the previous work within the Rob-Bot Resources Introduction to Python Programming series.
Learn new programming skills through clearly presented explanations before applying your newly developed skills within a series of easy to follow tasks, explained through written explanations as well as flowcharts and/or pseudo code.
Each unit in this series is fully differentiated using Rob-Bot Resources’ unique Rookie, Pro and Beast leveling system; apply your new programming skills by completing the introductory Rookie tasks. Once you've got a grip of the basics, push yourself by completing the Pro exercises before finally testing your skills by completing the Beast scenarios.
Once you have completed the practice tasks it’s time to test your skills within the differentiated programming challenges!
All task and challenge coding solutions are also included.
Suitable for both KS3 and KS4 classes.
***Please leave a review :) ***
Computer Science: Introduction to Networks for KS3 students
The aim of this unit of work is to introduce KS3 students to computer networks. Within this unit of work, students will learn the following:
What will you learn?
To understand what is meant by a Local Area Network (LAN).
Hardware required
Methods of connection (WiFi & Ethernet cable)
To understand what is meant by a Wide Area Network (WAN).
Methods to connect (GPRS, mobile, telephone cables & satellite).
To understand how peripheral devices can connect to a computer system using a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
Methods to connect (Bluetooth).
Understand the following methods of keeping you computer secure on a computer network:
- Firewall
- Anti-malware
- Passwords
- Encryption
This unit of work includes a range of information and activities to develop student knowledge and understanding of computer systems.
Please note two practical activities require the use of rope to create a human networks!
A final assessment is also included.
Teacher answer PowerPoint also included.
**Please leave a review!
"There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary numbers… and those who don’t!"
Alongside understanding the joke above(!), KS3 Computer Science: Data Representation - Year 7 will teach your students the following:
Explain why a computer uses binary.
To be able to identify the number of bits in different units of data e.g. Bit, Nibble, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, etc.
To explain the difference between ‘base 2’ and ‘base 10’ numbering systems.
To be able to convert binary into denary and vice versa.
Explain how characters are stored in the ASCII character set.
Your students will learn this information through a variety of clearly presented instructions as well as a range of tasks and activities designed to consolidate learning.
This unit of work also includes a final assessment.
Full teacher solutions also included!
Before completing this unit of work, it is recommended that your students complete Computer systems for year 7 so they have an understanding of the different hardware components of a computer.
Part 4 of a series of 7 introductory lessons on how to use Python through the use of the IDLE GUI.
Within Part 4 you will learn how to make your code perform different actions through the use of decisions. You will learn how to check for a condition through the use of logic and Boolean operators and apply them within simple if statements before learning how to check for multiple outcomes using the ELSE and ELIF functions.
Learn new programming skills through clearly presented explanations before applying your newly developed skills within a series of easy to follow tasks, explained through written explanations as well as flowcharts and/or pseudo code.
Each unit in this series is fully differentiated using Rob-Bot Resources’ unique Rookie, Pro and Beast leveling system; apply your new programming skills by completing the introductory Rookie tasks. Once you've got a grip of the basics, push yourself by completing the Pro exercises before finally testing your skills by completing the Beast scenarios.
Once you have completed the practice tasks it’s time to test your skills within the differentiated programming challenges!
All task and challenge coding solutions are also included.
Suitable for both KS3 and KS4 classes.
***Please leave a review :) ***
Within KS3 Computer Science: Data Representation - Year 8, your students will recall and build upon understanding developed within Data Representation for Year 7 and learn the following:
To recall binary and denary conversion techniques from year 7.
To be able to add two binary numbers using binary addition and understand the term overflow error.
Understand the use and purpose of ASCII and Unicode character sets.
Understand how images are stored on a computer.
Understand the relationship between resolution, colour depth and file size.
Recap the terms ‘Base 2’ and ‘Base 10’ number systems.
To apply understanding to the use of Hexadecimal (base 16).
Your students will learn these concepts through a range of clearly presented explanations and a range of tasks and challenges to consolidate learning.
This unit of work also includes a final assessment.
Full teacher solutions also included!
Before completing this unit of work, it is recommended that your students complete Data Representation for Year 7 and Computer Systems for Year 8 so they have an understanding of the different hardware components of a computer.
Introduce your students to key algorithm design techniques with this resource!
Within this unit of work your students will:
Learn how to write algorithms using both symbols (flowchart) and written notation (pseudocode).
Learn how to write algorithms using structured techniques including:
* Sequencing
* Selection
* Iteration (looping)
Gain understanding of the need for accuracy when writing algorithms.
Practice debugging your code.
This resource includes explanations of each algorithm design technique as well as clear structured examples of how to write them using both flowchart and pseudocode. After each technique has been explained, students have the opportunity to apply their understanding within an activity which includes higher ability expectations. A final Rookie, Pro and Beast algorithm design challenge has also been included as well as suggested solutions for each activity.