Barrie's Store for Teachers and beyond - opened May '16
Average Rating4.42
(based on 32 reviews)
I will be posting imaginative, creative multi-media lessons using PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and supported with Word based worksheets and Kahoot quizzes where applicable.
I will be posting imaginative, creative multi-media lessons using PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and supported with Word based worksheets and Kahoot quizzes where applicable.
Vector graphics are computer graphics images that are defined in terms of points … connected by lines and curves to form polygons and other shapes. (wikipedia)
Computing is about so much more than just programming, and Inkscape is a great way to introduce students to vector graphics. Although those with an artistic flair will particularly love this series of lessons, they were extremely popular with ALL students.
The course is delivered in 6 x 60-minute lessons, using stimulating PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and includes worksheets to accompany the lesson, plus a Kahoot quiz.
This series looks at
Digital Images and a first look at Inkscape
Exploring Inkscape v0.91 features and the Node Editor
Project one: Penguin, Pac-man baddie, Elephant, Turkey
Free exploration, self assessment and Kahoot quiz
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
“Social media is a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of >ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and >communities.” (dictionary definition)
Social media is everywhere… it is certainly of our time. Students spend hours on it and that is not likely to diminish, so these lessons try to promote and encourage the safe use of social media.
This series of 4 one-hour lessons looks at
what social media is
privacy
profiles, friends and posts
digital footprints
safety on line
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
loads of embedded videos (can be extracted if necessary)
worksheets and self-evaluation documents
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: computer social media facebook twitter pinterest youtube tiktok instagram snapchat post profile privacy friends
The ever expanding Code Club first promoted Scratch, and I loved it – creating and successfully delivering a range of lessons for Junior students.
Code Club is now promoting Blender ,and I think I love it even more!
I’ve created and delivered a series of lessons for Junior students this year, and the response was overwhelming. Students loved learning about 3D graphics and went on to produce some amazing creations of their own. While I thought it might be too advanced, students as young as 8 have grasped and loved using it.
3D GRAPHICS REALLY IS A USEFUL SKILL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE.
The lessons assume absolutely no knowledge and build up in a gradual way
Lessons 1-2 (FREE)
What is Blender
The Blender interface
Navigating the 3D view port
Lessons 3-5
Transforming objects
Creating, selecting and duplicating objects
Project: create a snowman
Lessons 6-9
Rendering, colours and lighting
Editing objects
Project: create a donut
Lessons 10-13
3D Text
Box modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, bevels
Project: create a Treasure Chest
Lessons 14-15
Animations using Timeframes
Animations using Rigid Bodies
Each lesson is delivered via an animated PowerPoint with an accompanying Workbook, and follows a similar format:
A short video to inspire (embedded in the PowerPoint)
Explanations about any new concepts and skills
A demo of what will be covered (Blender demo files included)
Working together trying out these new concepts and skills (Workbook and Blender exercise files are provided)
Free exploration
A project bringing it all together (a finished Blender file is provided)
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
“The low-level software that supports a computer’s basic functions, such as scheduling tasks and controlling peripherals.” (dictionary definition)
So, what is an Operating System - our computers, tablets, smartphones, etc all need one, but what do they actually do?
The course is delivered in 4 x 60-minute lessons, using stimulating PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and includes worksheets to accompany the lesson, plus a Kahoot quiz.
This series, for absolute beginners, looks at
how computers worked before the Operating System
the role of the Operating System
managing things and user interfaces
examples of Operating Systems
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects
In this project, waves of cloned alien spacecraft appear at any edge of the screen and attack the base. The player must defend their base as long as possible and destroy the aliens. Enhancements allow, for example, attack craft to appear when energy levels reach a threshold.
There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach:
- break the project into manageable chunks
- present “pseudo-code” for each chunk
- provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code.
The lessons comprise:
1. a PowerPoint with instructions
2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout
3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.
There are so many really great sites offering Scratch Project ideas. However, many tend to be like recipes - follow the instructions and you’ll create a cake. The problem I find is that the students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, but without learning an awful lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, whilst at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. To this end, I use the following approach:
break the project down into manageable chunks
present students with an algorithm for each chunk
provide students with the instructions for each algorithm, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about algorithms (a VERY important part of coding), and have to understand the instructions in order to sequence them to correctly match the algorithm.
The lessons comprise:
a PowerPoint with introductory slides, together with the project instructions
a Word document with the PowerPoint instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow
accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for teachers that match each chunk of the project
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm
Computers did not just drop out of the sky - real people came up with the ideas and created what we have today!
The series of 3 lessons tries to make these pioneers real, and focuses on people such as Leibniz, Jacquard, Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, Tim Berners-Lee, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Page and Brin, Jeff Bezos, and more…
They cover topics such as binary numbers, early computers, the internet, the World Wide Web, Apple, Microsoft, Quantum computers, Amazon, Ebay, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint
loads of embedded videos (can be extracted if required)
fun worksheets
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: computer pioneer history Leibniz Jacquard Babbage Ada Lovelace Alan Turing Tim Berners-Lee Steve Jobs Bill Gates Page Brin Jeff Bezos google amazon apple microsoft internet world wide web www
Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects
In this project, students create a question and answer quiz using different backdrops for each question.
There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach:
- break the project into manageable chunks
- present “pseudo-code” for each chunk
- provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code.
The lessons comprise:
1. a PowerPoint with instructions
2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout
3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.
The Scratch 3 version is here.
Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects
In this project, the player must move a sprite through the maze using the keyboard. Timers, obstacles (floating sprites) and a more difficult maze can be added as enhancements .
There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach:
- break the project into manageable chunks
- present “pseudo-code” for each chunk
- provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code.
The lessons comprise:
1. a PowerPoint with instructions
2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout
3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.
Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects
In this project, the Scratch Pen is used to draw geometric shapes using Repeat blocks.
There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach:
- break the project into manageable chunks
- present “pseudo-code” for each chunk
- provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code.
The lessons comprise:
1. a PowerPoint with instructions
2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout
3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.
*** NEW FOR SCRATCH V3***
In my series of Scratch projects, students are encouraged to learn through doing - creating projects that encourage learning.
In this NEW series of lessons for the latest Scratch 3, I provide a more structured approach, looking in detail at Scratch programming tools. Each tool is explored through simple projects, and students then go on to further explore using guided project worksheets.
What is Scratch v3
Events and Triggers
Controls
Motion and the Stage
Data Variables
Operators - number
Operators - text
Debugging
The lessons comprise:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides, together with the project instructions
a Word document with the PowerPoint project instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow
accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for students and teachers
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm, debugging
**UPDATED for Scratch version 3 **
Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects
In this project, the player must move a sprite through the maze using the keyboard. Timers, obstacles (floating sprites) and a more difficult maze can be added as enhancements .
There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach:
- break the project into manageable chunks
- present “pseudo-code” for each chunk
- provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code.
The lessons comprise:
1. a PowerPoint with instructions
2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout
3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.
A pixel is generally thought of as the smallest single component of a digital image. (wikipedia)
Using technology to create art has become extremely common and popular (and also, financially lucrative!). Furthermore, students love designing and creating sprites and animated GIFs.
This series of 4 one-hour lessons looks at
digital images - bitmaps and vector graphics
using the piskel web app to create sprites
using the piskel web app to create animated GIFs
I have used it very successfully with students in grades 4 through to 8 (with slight modifications), and all have absolutely loved the topic.
The lessons comprise:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides, together with embedded videos (to extract, click here)
worksheets, ideas and self-evaluation documents
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
I introduce students to programming through Scratch, and then extend this into the world of coding through Python. The lessons use Trinket as a simple interface for entering and running Python 2 and Python 3 code - no downloads required.
This series of 5 one-hour lessons for absolute beginners looks at
what is Python
using strings and performing maths operations
functions, variables, loops and comparative operators
creating a Magic 8 Ball game in Python using user input
exploring if statements and adapting the game to SenseHat
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
embedded videos
worksheets and self-evaluation files
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: computer coding programming Babbage Lovelace function loop variable
The ever expanding CodeClub first promoted Scratch, and I loved it – creating and successfully delivering a range of lessons for Junior students.
Code Club is now promoting Blender and I think I love it even more!
I’ve created and delivered a series of lessons for Junior students this year, and the response was overwhelming. Students loved learning about 3D graphics and went on to produce some amazing creations of their own. While I thought it might be too advanced, students as young as 8 have grasped and loved using it.
3D GRAPHICS REALLY IS A USEFUL SKILL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE.
The lessons assume absolutely no knowledge and build up in a gradual way
Lessons 1-2 (FREE)
What is Blender
The Blender interface
Navigating the 3D view port
Lessons 3-5
Transforming objects
Creating, selecting and duplicating objects
Project: create a snowman
Lessons 6-9
Rendering, colours and lighting
Editing objects
Project: create a donut
Lessons 10-13
3D Text
Box modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, bevels
Project: create a Treasure Chest
Lessons 14-15
Animations using Timeframes
Animations using Rigid Bodies
Each lesson is delivered via an animated PowerPoint with an accompanying Workbook, and follows a similar format:
A short video to inspire (embedded in the PowerPoint)
Explanations about any new concepts and skills
A demo of what will be covered (Blender demo files included)
Working together trying out these new concepts and skills (Workbook and Blender exercise files are provided)
Free exploration
A project bringing it all together (a finished Blender file is provided)
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Below are links to all my Blender v2.79 resources:
Lessons 1-2 (FREE)
Blender 3D - (3-5) creating, selecting and transforming objects
Blender 3D - (6-9) rendering, colours, lighting and editing objects
Blender 3D - (10-13) 3D Text, modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, beveling
Blender 3D - (14-15) animating using time frames and rigid bodies
Blender-3D-3-15-BUNDLE-3964949">Blender 3D - (3-15) BUNDLE
There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach:
- break the project into manageable chunks
- present “pseudo-code” for each chunk
- provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code.
The lessons comprise:
1. a PowerPoint with instructions
2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout
3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project
Lessons in the series:
FREE introduction to Scratch.
Moving a sprite through a maze.
A question and answer type quiz.
A game where students move a sight with the mouse to shoot ghosts.
A Music Player with layers of menus.
Simulates a toy bear with touch pads.
Drawing shapes and repeating patterns.
Alien spacecraft attack a base that must be defended.
An Octopus must swim through walls of hungry sharks.
Navigate through different worlds
Bundle I-III
Bundle IV-VI
Bundle VII-IX
Bundle I-IX
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.
Machine Learning and AI are terms we all hear a lot about every day. They affect our lives profoundly and yet, we know so little about either. Producing this presentation in what I hope is an easy to understand form, was hugely challenging and immensely rewarding, and I hope it can benefit you and your students.
We all need at least a basic understanding of what is happening in the world of AI.
This lesson for absolute beginners looks at
what is intelligence (easy start!!)
what is machine learning
how AI is related to machine learning
the ethical concerns of bias
The lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
inspiring embedded videos (if you need to extract, click here)
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.