Celebrating Black Computing (Primary)

Designed for KS2 learners, this ready-to-use lesson features 12 black individuals and gives simple introductions to prejudice, algorithmic bias and the number of black people working in computing today. The lesson offers a great way to celebrate the lives of black computing professionals during Black History Month or at any other time of the year and to consider the challenges they may face. The importance of diversity in tech teams and the need to develop systems that work for everyone are also explained.

The lesson includes an engaging and informative PowerPoint consisting of over 30 slides. It starts with objectives and has a worksheet to complete as the lesson progresses. There are two activities which can be completed in class or given as homework: a Word Search and a poster activity. Notes and answers to the worksheet and Word Search activity are included.

This lesson supports the national curriculum for computing which aims to ensure that all pupils become digitally literate and active participants in the digital world.

Individuals featured in the PowerPoint: Annie Easley, Otis Boykin, Marian Croak, Clarence Ellis, Rediet Abebe, Mark Martin, Victoria Chibuogu Nneji, Michael Berhane, Amina Aweis, Joe Arday, Jay-Ann Lopez and Ken Olisa.

A separate lesson is available for secondary school classes featuring different black computing professionals.

Duration: Approximately one hour plus two activities.

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