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Programmer's Paradise

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Computer Science resources for KS3-4, with a focus on programming. Programming resources include Scratch, Microbit, Small Basic and Visual Basic for now, with other languages potentially in the future, such as C#. I have worked with the AQA specification throughout my teaching career and so these resources will be suitable for anyone teaching the new AQA spec. Please review any resources, suggestions are welcome for improvements etc.

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Computer Science resources for KS3-4, with a focus on programming. Programming resources include Scratch, Microbit, Small Basic and Visual Basic for now, with other languages potentially in the future, such as C#. I have worked with the AQA specification throughout my teaching career and so these resources will be suitable for anyone teaching the new AQA spec. Please review any resources, suggestions are welcome for improvements etc.
KS3 Scratch Flowcharts 2-lesson mini project
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS3 Scratch Flowcharts 2-lesson mini project

(0)
Included in this resource is a Powerpoint which is helpful in recapping flowcharts and then leads into a programming task involving a number guessing game. The students should be aiming to make a flowchart based on the first two tasks in the project, which will help them move on to programming them in Scratch in the second lesson. There is a card sort which involves writing the instructions onto blank paper symbols to form the flowchart, and examples of each task as a flowchart and scratch game. This has been used with Year 7 following two previous units using Scratch, as a warm up for programming as well as a reminder of flowcharts and their usefulness in planning programs.
Angles using parallel lines worksheet / homework with help sheet
MrHawes8MrHawes8

Angles using parallel lines worksheet / homework with help sheet

(2)
This is a resource I created for my Year 6 maths set (high ability) which would be suitable for KS3 as well. There are a number of angles which the students have to calculate without measuring, based on rules regarding angles and parallel lines. There are two versions, one with more answers given, and this could be given in class or as a homework task depending on the support required. The helpsheet contains powerpoint slides taken from a resource published by @dwatson802 called Angles with Parallel and intersecting lines.
KS2-KS3 Scale Enlargement activity
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2-KS3 Scale Enlargement activity

(0)
This worksheet is for students who have been working on scale enlargement. I have used this as a homework for high ability Year 6 students, who have worked on scale factors and centre of enlargement during lesson time. The PDF contains two pages - the final shape (Answers) is on the second page.
GCSE Run Length Encoding Programming Lesson tasks
MrHawes8MrHawes8

GCSE Run Length Encoding Programming Lesson tasks

(0)
This resource contains tasks for a complete programming lesson based on Run Length Encoding. If students have looked at the theory this lesson is a good follow up as it improves their programming skills and reinforces the theory learned previously. Included in this resource is a self-marking Excel starter document, and Powerpoint presentation for the lesson. The code with tasks is included for students to copy and paste into Visual Basic, or pseudocode for more of a challenge. EDITED: Now includes a basic Testing table in a Word document so the students can prove that their program is working and become familiar with the process for their coursework.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch superunit - introduction and follow-up unit
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch superunit - introduction and follow-up unit

13 Resources
This bundle contains two units of work for Scratch, including at least 14 lessons in total (some may take longer, depending on programming speed). It can be broken down into two units, or potentially completed in one go. I have completed these with the same students over two years - the introductory unit in Y5 and then the second unit in Y6. However, this could be used with older children with little Scratch experience. The lessons conatined are as follows: Unit 1 Introduction to Scratch - algorithms Joke - sequencing Disco - sequencing / iteration Etch-a-sketch - controlling sprites Maze - Selection / iteration Assessment Unit 2 Flowcharts - algorithms Chatbot - sequencing / selection Scrolling maze - variables Falling fruit - indefinite iteration / variables Breakout - Variables / subroutines Rock, Paper, Scissors - Definite iteration / subroutines Assessment
KS2 / KS3 Scratch intermediate bundle
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch intermediate bundle

7 Resources
This unit is designed to be used after the initial Scratch unit, and contains lessons on flowcharts, sequencing, selection, iteration, variables and subroutines. The games that will be made through this unit include: A chatbot A scrolling maze Falling Fruit game Breakout Rock, paper, scissors Following the flowcharts lesson, the students will complete the other lessons to create the above programs, and then finish with an assessment. The assessment says Y6 at the top as this was the year group I have used it with, but that is because my Y5s completed the introductory unit and so moved onto this in Y6. However, this could be used for KS2 or KS3, depending on programming and Scratch experience.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Assessment
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Assessment

(0)
This assessment is similar but more advanced than the introductory Scratch unit assessment in my shop, and includes questions on subroutines and variables as well as algorithms, sequencing, selection and iteration. This is aimed at students who have completed two units of Scratch.
KS2 / KS3 Rock paper scissors tutorial - subroutines
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Rock paper scissors tutorial - subroutines

(0)
This lesson is for students who have completed the introductory unit of Scratch, or have other experience in Scratch or other programming languages. The lesson focuses on creating a game using subroutines, and includes a presentation which introduces the task, the complete code for demonstration purposes and starter code for the students. There is also a tutorial for the students to complete the creation of the game following the demonstration.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Breakout Game - subroutines
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Breakout Game - subroutines

(0)
This resource is for students who have experience in Scratch or other programming languages, including those who have completed the introductory unit of Scratch. The resource contains a powerpoint presentation to introduce subroutines, and a tutorial for students to create the game. It also includes the full game for demonstration and debugging purposes.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Falling Fruit Game
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Falling Fruit Game

(0)
This lesson is based around using indefinite iteration in Scratch, through creating a game where the player catches randomly falling objects. This resource includes the full game code, a presentation to introduce indefinite iteration, and a tutorial for students to create the game.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Scrolling Maze Tutorial
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Scrolling Maze Tutorial

(0)
This resource is for students who have completed an introductory unit of Scratch or who are older and more experienced in programming. The lesson is based around creating a scrolling maze, which is more advanced than a normal maze game, and introduces variables. It includes a tutorial, Powerpoint to introduce variables, the full game code and starter code for the students to begin programming with.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch chatbot lesson
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch chatbot lesson

(0)
This resource is for students who have already completed an introductory unit of Scratch, or are older students who might be more familiar with programming. They will create a program on Scratch using sequencing and selection.
KS2/KS3 Scratch Flowcharts / algorithms lesson
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2/KS3 Scratch Flowcharts / algorithms lesson

(0)
This Powerpoint is designed for students who have completed a unit of Scratch before, and this would be the start of the second unit. The lesson introduces flowcharts and the students create a flowchart based on an algorithm given to them. This can be done on the computers, either using office or online. This could also be completed on paper if preferred.
KS2 / KS3 Scratch Introduction Bundle
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 / KS3 Scratch Introduction Bundle

6 Resources
The resources in this bundle should cover 7 lessons, and result in students creating 4 different programs. The associated content covers algorithms, sequencing, selection and iteration, and the assessment at the end also includes debugging and showing an understanding of code.
KS2 Introduction to Scratch Assessment
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 Introduction to Scratch Assessment

(0)
This assessment is based around lessons completed using Scratch, and includes questions on algorithms, sequencing, selection, iteration, and debugging and understanding code. There are 13 questions in total, with 17 marks available.
KS2 Scratch Maze game - selection and iteration
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 Scratch Maze game - selection and iteration

(0)
This resource includes a short PowerPoint presentation including a brief starter, a finished maze game with two levels and a tutorial. I usually show them the finished game, then begin a new program and show them how to create the maze sprite using the line tool, and moving the sprites (they should have covered this by now). I also show them how to get the program to know if they are touching the other sprites (maze or end of the level). Once they start to make their mazes I give them the tutorial (on computers or can be printed) so they have step-by-step instructions for making their game and help if they are stuck. This usually takes at least two lessons for them to have a finished maze game with two levels. Some students will customise the game further with added features suggested at the bottom of the tutorial.
KS2 Scratch Controlling sprites drawing program
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 Scratch Controlling sprites drawing program

(0)
Included in this resource is a short PowerPoint presentation which includes a quick starter and introduces the idea of using Scratch to create an Etch-a-sketch type drawing program. I usually then show them the finished program, and then give them instructions on creating the sprite, and moving it with the arrow keys. After that, they begin to work on their own programs and use the tutorial if they are stuck or need a hint. If there is time at the end, they can have a drawing competition using their newly created programs!
KS2 Scratch Iteration disco animation lesson
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 Scratch Iteration disco animation lesson

(0)
Included is a short powerpoint presentation, with a sample program and tutorial instructions for making the animation program on Scratch. After the starter task on the Powerpoint I give them a look at the finished program, before starting a new program and showing them the first few steps. After this they begin creating their own programs, using the tutorial for reference or if they are stuck.
KS2 Scratch sequencing lesson materials
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 Scratch sequencing lesson materials

(0)
Included in this resource is a tutorial for programming a joke animation on Scratch, as well as a sample program. I usually begin by showing the finished program, then give them some step-by-step instructions. When it is their turn to program, the tutorial is made available to give them any help they need and remind them of what needs to be added to their program next.
KS2 Introduction to Scratch and algorithms
MrHawes8MrHawes8

KS2 Introduction to Scratch and algorithms

(0)
Included in this resource is a PowerPoint presentation on Scratch, with an accompanying worksheet (can be used on the computers or printed). The lesson focuses on using Scratch and ends with introducing algorithms which is a key word that can be used going forward.