KS2 micro:bit electrical conductors

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:

1. Unplugged lesson building electrical circuits and testing materials
2. Unplugged lesson exploring selection and flowchart algorithms
3. Tinkering with inputs on the micro:bit using the MakeCode editor
4. Electrical conductivity testing with the micro:bit
5. Unplugged review, decomposing learning in the unit
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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
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Additional skills
Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, testing.
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Included resources

• Lesson plan
• Lesson slides
• Student handouts
• micro:bit program files
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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
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England KS2 science curriculum links
Electricity (year 4 programme of study)

• Recognise some common conductors and insulators
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Code.org CS Fundamentals links
Course C
Concepts included:

• flowchart algorithms
• sequencing
• events
• conditionals
• inputs/outputs