KS3 Computer Science: Algorithm Design - Year 8 recaps and builds upon the basic understanding of algorithm design learned within Algorithm design for Year 7 and allows your students to learn the following: Understand that an algorithm is a set of instructions used to solve a problem. Use both flowchart and pseudocode to design an algorithm. To recap the following algorithm design techniques Sequence and Selection. To understand the following data types: Character String Real Integer Boolean To learn how to use looping to write repeatable sequences of code. To apply understanding into subroutine challenges. To understand different types of errors that can occur while writing algorithms (Syntax, Logic and Runtime) and methods used to identify them. This resource includes a range of clearly presented explanations as well as a range of structured tasks to help your students practice their skills. It is recommended that students first complete the Algorithm Design - Year 7 and Computational Thinking for KS3 unit of work in order to develop a basic understanding of both computational thinking and algorithms. This unit of work also includes a final assessment. Full teacher solutions also included!

Download my popular Twitter poster here! If you’re students struggle with tough exam questions, get them in the habit of applying computational thinking to the problem. This poster provides students a guide on how to apply the concepts of computational thinking to tackle tricky exam questions. I have included both a PDF and JPEG version of the poster. Computational Thinking is a skill set that can be used across the curriculum, not just within computer science! The logical approach to solving a problem means that it’s application can be used to develop and improve students ability to deal with difficult problems in a more rational way. The aim of my posters is to make you realise that many of the brilliant tasks that teachers facilitate week in, week out actually include computational thinking. It’s just a matter of making it more explicit! Please leave a Review!

Within this unit of work, your students will learn to: To understand different methods of searching data within an array: Linear search Binary search Explain how both methods work. To identify advantages and disadvantages of using both techniques. Students will learn about how both searching methods work through clearly presented explanations, pseudocode, diagrams and animations. Students will develop and consolidate their understanding through a range of tasks and activities including the creation of searching algorithms using Python. Although this unit of work has been created following the AQA GCSE 9-1 Computer Science specification, it is applicable to anyone who wants to learn about searching algorithms. Recommended prior learning: KS4 Algorithm Design (Sequencing, Selection & Iteration): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-ks4-algorithm-design-12044669 Data Types: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-algorithm-design-data-types-12047021 Arrays: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-algorithm-design-arrays-12044694 Subroutines: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-algorithm-design-subroutines-12047070

My popular twitter poster is available for download here! This poster gives an example of how computational thinking can be used to convert classic games such as ‘rock, paper, scissors’ and ‘noughts and crosses’ into algorithms. Try out in your classroom! I have included JPEG and PNG versions of the poster. Computational Thinking is a skill set that can be used across the curriculum, not just within computer science! The logical approach to solving a problem means that it’s application can be used to develop and improve students ability to deal with difficult problems in a more rational way. The aim of my posters is to make you realise that many of the brilliant tasks that teachers facilitate week in, week out actually include computational thinking. It’s just a matter of making it more explicit! Please leave a review!

Develop your students problem solving skills with this resource! Learn about and break codes used across the ages including: Caeser Cypher Polybius Square Pigpen Cypher Braille Morse Code Also learn about how cryptanalyst Alan Turing shortened the length of World War II and saved millions of lives in the process! Includes both student PowerPoint work book and Teacher solutions. Final consolidation exercise includes differentiated challenges!

Learn how to record information onto trace tables with this great resource! Within this unit of work students will learn: What a trace table is and how they are used. How a trace table is used to record changes using the following algorithm techniques; * Sequence * Selection * WHILE loop * FOR loop * REPEAT loop * Arrays There are a range of different trace table activities to complete, with solutions also included! **It is recommended that students complete the following units prior to attempting this unit of work: GCSE 9-1 Computer Science: KS4 Algorithm Design GCSE 9-1 Computer Science: Arrays**

This comprehensive resource covers all the key areas of study for Computer Science, with particular focus on the AQA exam board, however, the concepts are applicable to all. This resource contains a comprehensive range of keywords and terms as well as definitions, explanations and diagrams to support student understanding within the following areas of the curriculum: Computational Thinking Algorithm Design Data Types Programming Concepts 1 Programming Concepts 2 Arithmetic Operations Relational & Boolean Operations Data Structures String Handling Operations Classification of Programming Languages Number Bases Units of Information Character encoding Data Representation Data Compression Computer Systems 1 Computer Systems 2 Storage Computer Networks 1 Computer Networks 2 Cyber Security Social Engineering Malicious Code Prevention of Cyber Security Threats Impact of Digital Technology on Society This resource contains: an interactive PDF vocabularly booklet (includes navigation links for quick access to different topics) an interactive ppt for teachers to use for whole class discussion a standard ppt to be used to create paper copies of the booklet a vocabulary list Please Leave a Review!

Rob-Bot! is a fun and exciting card game that also helps develop your Computational Thinking skills! Rob-Bot! consists of a pack of 57 playing cards, each of which contains 8 different characters or objects (there are 57 characters and objects to find in total). Each card contains one character or object which matches to one in every other card in the pack. Normal game (2-4 players) Deal out all the cards. The player to the left of the dealer starts by placing down their card The other player(s) must identify a character or object that is both on the card that has been placed down and their own card. Once identified, the player must state which character or object is the same and place down the card. The player who gets rid of cards the first wins. How does Rob-Bot! develop Computational Thinking skills? Decomposition: Identifying specific characters and objects on the cards. Pattern Recognition: Searching for and finding the same character or object on your card and the card in play. Abstraction: Dismissing and filtering out characters and objects on your card that don’t match those on the card in play. Algorithm Design: Develop and refine the technique of searching for and identifying the matching characters and objects. Use Rob-Bot! to develop keywords in the following topic areas: Computational thinking Computer systems Networks Algorithm design Embedded systems Logic gates Malware This resource includes a PDF which includes all the cards and instructions on how to print. Suitable for ages 6+

This resource includes two different packs: Questions Pack The questions pack includes a range of practice 9 and 12 mark exam questions which cover topics found within all major GCSE computer science specifications including: Cyber Security Mobile Technology Wireless Networking Cloud Storage The Theft of Computer Code Wearable Technologies & Implants Privacy and Data Protection An additional 10 questions are also included and cover the following topics: Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Vehicles Businesses and Services Environmental Issues The Digital Divide What3Words Facial Recognition Technology Social Networking Social Media Addiction Fake News Each question includes the following: Planning activities Answer structure guidance Mark scheme This pack also includes information on how to tackle long answer questions. Topics Pack This includes information which covers a wide range of topics associated with the impact and risks of digital technology on society. Each question within the questions pack is covered with a range of information which includes benefits, and environmental, ethical and legal & privacy concerns.

Within this short unit of work, students will learn the following: To understand why subroutines are used. To explain the difference between a procedure and a function. To explain the purpose of a local and global variable. To understand how to write a subroutine. Learning is consolidated with a series of differentiated subroutine algorithm tasks that challenge students on their understanding of algorithms and subroutines. It is highly recommended that students complete the Rob-Bot Resources KS4 Algorithm Design unit of work before completing this unit.

Within this unit of work, your students will learn to: Understand different methods of sorting data within an array: - Bubble sort - Merge sort Explain how both methods work. Identify advantages and disadvantages of using both techniques. Students will learn about how both sorting methods work through clearly presented explanations, pseudocode, diagrams and animations. Students will develop and consolidate their understanding through a range of tasks and activities including the creation of sorting algorithms using Python. Although this unit of work has been created following the AQA GCSE 9-1 Computer Science specification, it is applicable to anyone who wants to learn about sorting algorithms. Recommended prior learning: KS4 Algorithm Design (Sequencing, Selection & Iteration): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-ks4-algorithm-design-12044669 Data Types: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-algorithm-design-data-types-12047021 Arrays: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-algorithm-design-arrays-12044694 Subroutines: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/gcse-9-1-computer-science-algorithm-design-subroutines-12047070

Introduce your students to key graphic design and animation techniques using these two resources! No prior experience needed, the aim of these tutorials is to introduce complete beginners to using Fireworks graphic design software! Start your students on learning the basic concepts of graphic design. In this tutorial they will learn how to: create a new canvas and edit it add vector shapes layering using creative shape fills using filters group shapes and images add an external image onto Fireworks use the magic wand tool transform an image use the brush tool add text use the eraser zoom in and out Challenge tasks to demonstrate the use of each skill have been included. Once your students have grasped these skills, introduce them to frame-by-frame animation. In this tutorial they will learn how to: prepare a document for animating use states use the onion skin tool create frame-by-frame animation save an animation project convert an animation into a gif create a new scene An animation challenge and extension task has been included within this tutorial too.

**What is an array? How are they used within algorithms?! ** Within this short unit of work (2-3 lessons) students will learn: what an array is and how they are used. to create, edit, input and output information to and from an array. to use both one and two dimensional arrays As well as activities and tasks within the lessons, final differentiated (Rookie, Pro and Beast level) challenges have been included to consolidate learning. All required resources are included within the PowerPoint. There are some items that require printing within the resource section at the end. It is recommended that this resources is used after completing GCSE 9-1 Computer Science: KS4 Algorithm Design

This lesson gives students a clear understanding of the required data types which are expected to be known for GCSE 9-1 computer science. Within this unit of work, students will learn: To understand the different types of data used within algorithms e.g. Integer Real Boolean Character String To understand how variables are used to store data. To understand how to analyse and edit string: measuring the length of a string, string indexing and changing case. A range of activities and challenges are included to allow students to consolidate their learning. Solutions are also included. Use this lesson alongside my KS4 algorithms work to give students a comprehensive understanding of how data types are used within algorithms!