zip, 8.58 MB
zip, 8.58 MB

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:

  1. Unplugged lesson composing musical phrases
  2. Programming musical phrases in MakeCode
  3. Unplugged lesson on communicating with gestures
  4. Making the micro:bit into a musical instrument
  5. 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
Creative Commons "Sharealike"

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