A sequence of lessons that provide a pathway through six projects, ideal for getting started with the micro:bit. Students develop their use of some core computing concepts by coding and making practical projects including step counters, night lights, and games. The sequence comprises six lessons: Name badge Beating heart Emotion badge Step counter Night light Rock, paper, scissors Learning objectives Students can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Students can analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output. Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs Supplied resources Lesson plans (Word) Lesson slides (PowerPoint) Student handouts Sample micro:bit program files England KS2 computing curriculum links Students can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Students can analyse problems in computational terms and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output. Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

Unit of 3 lessons aimed at KS3 Year 7 in England. Students learn about cryptography and undertaking practical unplugged activities to develop their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. They write algorithms for a Caesar cipher and are introduced to writing Caesar ciphers in text-based programming using JavaScript and Python. This unit forms the second part of the cyber security unit, though it can be used on its own and can be a good introduction to text-based programming, or a way to extend existing knowledge. The lesson sequence comprises 3 lessons of approx. 60 minutes: Introducing cryptography today and in history (World War Two) Caesar cipher algorithms unplugged activity Creating Caesar cipher programs with text-based programming . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles & concepts of computer science (logic, abstraction, algorithms, real world problem analysis and problem solving). practical experience of writing computer programs to solve problems. are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, creative thinking, prototyping, presenting, researching. . Included resources Lesson plan Word docs Lesson slides PowerPoints Student handouts Program files . England KS3 Computing curriculum links design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems make appropriate use of data structures (for example, lists, tables or arrays); understand simple Boolean logic (for example, AND, OR and NOT) and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.

This unit of work offers 6 complete lessons aimed at consolidating computing fundamentals for pupils in the first year of secondary school (England KS3 Year 7). Students are introduced to the core concepts of computational thinking, programming and computer systems through unplugged activities and physical computing with the BBC micro:bit. No prior learning is assumed and this is an ideal introduction for students to ensure they have a shared understanding of these important elements of computing. The lesson sequence includes: Computational thinking: paper aeroplane algorithms Computational thinking: prototyping Programming: modifying code, testing & debugging Programming: iteration & selection Computer systems: parts of a system Evaluation & showcase . Learning objectives understand and apply the fundamental principles & concepts of computer science. gain practical experience of writing computer programs to solve problems. evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies analytically to solve problems be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. . Additional skills problem-solving collaboration creative thinking . Included resources Lesson plan Word documents Lesson slides PowerPoints Student handouts . England KS3 computing curriculum links Students should be taught to: design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems understand the hardware and software components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability

Unit of 5 lessons aimed at pupils KS2 Year 6 in England( ages 10-11). They are introduced to variables and develop their understanding through a mixture of unplugged and practical programming activities. Pupils design and program the micro:bit to be a star-jump and step counter and a family activity selector. The sequence comprises 5 lessons of approximately 60 minutes each: Describing with variables Using variables in algorithms and programs Analysing, programming and evaluating step-counters Planning to get active Programming and evaluating a family activity picker . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, debugging, evaluation. Supplied resources Lesson plans (Word) Lesson slides (PowerPoint) Student handouts Sample micro:bit program files . England KS2 computing curriculum links design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs . England KS2 science curriculum links Humans and other animals (year 6 program of study): recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function. Code.org CS Fundamentals links Course F Concepts included: variables algorithms programming nested conditionals product development

Unit of 3 lessons aimed at KS3 Year 7 in England. Students gain a greater understanding of the importance of cyber security and explore the need to create strong password before writing algorithms and programs to create their own ‘strong password generator’ using the BBC micro:bit. Ideally, this unit should be taught after ‘Computing fundamentals’. The Lesson comprises 3 lessons of approx. 60 minutes Cyber security and ethical hacking Password generator algorithms Password generator programming, testing and evaluation . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs to solve problems are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Problem-solving, collaboration, creative thinking. . Included resources Lesson plan Word docs Lesson slides PowerPoints Student handouts micro:bit program files . England KS3 Computing curriculum links design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns

This unit of 5 lessons is aimed at pupils aged 9-10 (KS2 Year 5 in England) comprising editable plans, slides and student resources to teach data through a variety of unplugged and physical computing activities. Students write and evaluate algorithms and programs using selection and repetition to use micro:bit as a temperature recorder, an automatic warning system and a digital assistant. You will ideally use physical micro:bits for these lessons, although you can also use the simulator. The unit comprises five lessons of approximately 60 minutes each: Research lesson on understanding, locating and using data Exploring the micro:bit’s sensors Unplugged lesson designing gadgets with sensors Using sensors in algorithms and programs Programming digital assistants . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology Additional skills Researching, design thinking, problem-solving, debugging. . Included resources Lesson plan Word documents Lesson slides PowerPoints Student handouts micro:bit program files . England KS2 computing curriculum links Students should be taught to: design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts, use sequence, selection,… in programs; work with … various forms of input and output use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs . England KS2 geography curriculum links Students should be taught to: use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods including … digital technologies . Code.org CS Fundamentals curriculum links Courses C, D, E Concepts included: data algorithms & programs using nested loops & conditionals (if/else if) sensors variables (strings)

Unit of five Computing and Music lessons aimed at KS2 Year 5 in England (ages 9-10). Pupils compose musical phrases and write algorithms to play their phrases on pitched instruments (e.g. glockenspiels). They then program the micro:bit to play their phrases when events are triggered and and experiment with using the accelerometer. Finally, they consider whether the micro:bit can be used as a music-making device, especially for those who might not have access to instruments. The unit comprises five lessons of approximately 60 minutes each: Unplugged lesson composing musical phrases Programming musical phrases in MakeCode Unplugged lesson on communicating with gestures Making the micro:bit into a musical instrument Modifying music programs, reviewing learning and evaluating micro:bit as an accessible musical instrument . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, evaluation, researching, presenting. . Resources provided Lesson plans (Word) Lesson slides (PowerPoint) Student handouts Sample micro:bit program files . England KS2 computing curriculum links design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with … various forms of input and output use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs . England KS2 music curriculum links play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, … playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory . Code.org CS Fundamentals links Courses E, F Concepts included: algorithms & programs using conditionals ‘for’ loops

Unit of 5 Computing and Geography lessons for KS2 Year 4 in England (ages 8-9) Through a mixture of fun unplugged and programming activities related to animations, pupils develop their understanding of decomposition, flowchart algorithms and repetition. They then write, program and test an animation showing volcanic eruption using the LEDs on the micro:bit. The unit comprises 5 lessons of approximately 60 minutes each Unplugged lesson decomposing dance sequences and flipbook animations Using flowchart algorithms and exploring repetitions in the MakeCode editor Unplugged lesson decomposing and planning volcanic eruption animations Programming in MakeCode and reviewing and micro:bit animations Unplugged lesson decomposing the unit’s learning . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, debugging. . Included resources Lesson plan Lesson slides Student handouts micro:bit program files . England KS2 computing curriculum links design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs use sequence, and repetition in programs . England KS2 geography curriculum links Describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including: volcanoes and earthquakes . Code.org CS Fundamentals links Courses A and B Concepts included computational thinking sequencing events flowchart algorithms loops

Unit of 5 Computing & Science lessons aimed at KS2 Year 4 in England (ages 8-9). Pupils develop their understanding of flowchart algorithms, selection and inputs and outputs by using electrical circuits and the BBC micro:bit to test the conductivity of different materials. The unit comprises 5 lessons of approximately 60 minutes each: Unplugged lesson building electrical circuits and testing materials Unplugged lesson exploring selection and flowchart algorithms Tinkering with inputs on the micro:bit using the MakeCode editor Electrical conductivity testing with the micro:bit Unplugged review, decomposing learning in the unit . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, testing. . Included resources Lesson plan Lesson slides Student handouts micro:bit program files . England KS2 computing curriculum links design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts, use sequence, selection,… in programs; work with … various forms of input and output use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs . England KS2 science curriculum links Electricity (year 4 programme of study) Recognise some common conductors and insulators . Code.org CS Fundamentals links Course C Concepts included: flowchart algorithms sequencing events conditionals inputs/outputs

In this unit of 4 lessons students consider how a sensory classroom can be used to meet the needs of learners who are sensitive to sensory stimulus. They evaluate sensory aids to learn how they meet the needs of their users and use this understanding to plan and devise a classroom sensory aid using the micro:bit. Ideally, this unit should be taught after ‘Computing fundamentals’ and assumes students have experience of writing algorithms using pseudocode and have used the MakeCode editor. The unit comprises 4 lessons of approx. 60 minutes each: Evaluating sensory learning environments Writing algorithms and programs to sequence light patterns Designing a sensory aid to meet a given criteria, including algorithms Making and evaluating a sensory aid, including programming . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, evaluation. . Included resources Lesson plan Word docs Lesson slides PowerPoints Student handouts micro:bit program files . England KS3 Computing curriculum links design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem

In this unit of 5 lessons pupils design sequenced algorithms for flashcards to help them learn a foreign language, developing their understanding of computational thinking. Aimed at KS2 Year 3 in England (ages 7-8) and builds on the ‘Nature art’ unit. Pupils then write programs to create digital flashcards using the micro:bit and test and evaluate their work. The lesson sequence comprises: Unplugged lesson discovering how flashcards work through algorithms Programming abstracted images on the micro:bit LED display to make digital flashcards Improving programs by introducing delays and spotting patterns Experimenting (tinkering) with the MakeCode editor to discover more ways of using the display Debugging, evaluating and consolidating computing concepts used in this unit. . Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving. . Included resources Lesson plan Word documents Lesson slides PowerPoints Student handouts micro:bit code files . England KS2 computing curriculum links design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs Use sequence in programs; work with outputs . England KS2 foreign languages curriculum links explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases . Code.org CS Fundamentals links Courses A and B Concepts included: computational thinking algorithms & programming sequencing events debugging

In this unit of 5-6 computing lessons aimed at KS3 Year 7 in England, students learn about ‘health tech’, the use of technology to improve health. They develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of computational thinking and real-life problem-solving by working in teams to create their own prototype health tech innovation. Lesson sequence: Research health issues and technology Brainstorm health tech innovation ideas Innovation prototyping Prototyping & preparing presentations 5/6. Health tech prototypes showcase (can run over two lessons) . Learning objectives understand and apply the fundamental principles & concepts of computer science. gain practical experience of writing computer programs to solve problems. evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies analytically to solve problems be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. . Additional skills Problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, creative thinking, prototyping, presenting, researching. . Included resources Lesson plan Word doc Lesson slides PowerPoint Student handouts Sample micro:bit code files . England KS3 Computing curriculum links design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems make appropriate use of data structures (for example, lists, tables or arrays) understand simple Boolean logic (for example, AND, OR and NOT) and some of its uses in circuits and programming understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns undertake creative projects that involve selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, preferably across a range of devices, to achieve challenging goals, including collecting and analysing data and meeting the needs of known users create, re-use, revise and re-purpose digital artefacts for a given audience, with attention to trustworthiness, design and usability

In this unit of 4 art and computing lessons for KS2 Year 3 in England (ages 7-8) pupils create nature representations, firstly using art materials and are introduced to computational thinking and programming the LEDs on the micro:bit. Learning objectives can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems can evaluate and apply information technology are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology . Additional skills Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving. . Included resources Lesson plan Word docs Lesson slides PowerPoint Student handouts Sample micro:bit code files . England KS2 computing curriculum links design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs use sequence in programs; work with outputs . England KS2 art and design curriculum links improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpting with a range of materials . Code.org CS Fundamentals links Courses A and B Concepts included: computational thinking algorithms programming sequencing events debugging