Barrie's Store for Teachers and beyond - opened May '16
Average Rating4.53
(based on 36 reviews)
I will be posting imaginative, creative multi-media lessons using PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and supported with Word based worksheets and Kahoot quizzes where applicable.
I will be posting imaginative, creative multi-media lessons using PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and supported with Word based worksheets and Kahoot quizzes where applicable.
Vector graphics are computer graphics images that are defined in terms of points … connected by lines and curves to form polygons and other shapes. (wikipedia)
Inkscape is free, professional quality, vector graphics software.
Note, for Inkscape v1.3x go to this project.
Computing is about so much more than just programming, and Inkscape is a great way to introduce students to vector graphics. Although those with an artistic flair will particularly love this series of lessons, they were extremely popular with ALL students.
The course is delivered in 6 x 60-minute lessons, using stimulating PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and includes worksheets to accompany the lesson, plus a Kahoot quiz.
This series looks at
Digital Images and a first look at Inkscape
Exploring Inkscape v0.91 features and the Node Editor
Project one: Penguin, Pac-man baddie, Elephant, Turkey
Free exploration, self assessment and Kahoot quiz
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
I introduce students to programming through Scratch, and then extend this into the world of text based coding through Python and Python Turtle.
The lessons use Trinket as a simple interface for entering and running Python code - no downloads required.
The students are introduced to Python coding in the context of creating amazing patterns. In so doing, they become familiar with the commands and the syntax, and learn to debug errors they will inevitably have made. There is enough material for approx. 4 one-hour sessions, and of course, once students get started, they can easily develop their own ideas.
I’ve delivered these lessons to Year 5/6 students, and they have absolutely loved it.
The lessons are delivered through a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides and embedded videos (can be extracted if required). In addition, there is a workbook of activities.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
“The low-level software that supports a computer’s basic functions, such as scheduling tasks and controlling peripherals.” (dictionary definition)
So, what is an Operating System - our computers, tablets, smartphones, etc all need one, but what do they actually do? Most adults have no idea!
The course is delivered in 4 x 60-minute lessons, using stimulating, animated PowerPoint presentations with painstakingly selected, embedded videos, and includes worksheets to accompany the lessons and a Kahoot quiz.
This series, for absolute beginners, looks at
how computers worked before the Operating System
the role of the Operating System
managing things and user interfaces
examples of Operating Systems
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Computers did not just drop out of the sky - real people came up with the ideas and created what we have today!
The series of 3 lessons tries to make these pioneers real, and focuses on people such as Leibniz, Jacquard, Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, Tim Berners-Lee, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Page and Brin, Jeff Bezos, and more…
They cover topics such as binary numbers, early computers, the internet, the World Wide Web, Apple, Microsoft, Quantum computers, Amazon, Ebay, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint
loads of embedded videos (can be extracted if required)
fun worksheets
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: computer pioneer history Leibniz Jacquard Babbage Ada Lovelace Alan Turing Tim Berners-Lee Steve Jobs Bill Gates Page Brin Jeff Bezos google amazon apple microsoft internet world wide web www
Flowol 4 allows students of all ages to develop logical reasoning and problem solving talents, develop programming skills and explore the world of automatic, autonomous systems and robots.
This series of 3 one-hour lessons for absolute beginners looks at
what is control technology
using Flowol to control simple mimics
using Flowol to control mimics with decisions and numerical inputs
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
inspiring embedded videos
worksheets and self-evaluation files
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Vector graphics are computer graphics images that are defined in terms of points connected by lines and curves to form polygons and other shapes. (wikipedia)
Inkscape is free, professional quality, vector graphics software.
Note, for Inkscape v0.91 go to this project.
Computing is about so much more than just programming, and Inkscape is a great way to introduce students to vector graphics. Although those with an artistic flair will particularly love this series of lessons, they were extremely popular with ALL students.
The course comprises 7 one-hour lessons, using a stimulating PowerPoint presentation to introduce each lesson, and includes worksheets to accompany the lessons, and a Kahoot! quiz.
Digital Images and a first look at Inkscape
Exploring Inkscape v1.3x features and the Node Editor
Projects (3 lessons): Penguin, Pac-man baddie, Elephant, Turkey
Free exploration
Kahoot quiz and Self assessment
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
This is Part 1 only.
This complete topic comprises 7 by 1-hour lessons, broken down into two parts
Part 1 - The fascinating History of Numbers
tally marks, Sumerians & Babylonians
Egyptians and Romans
Mayans and Hindu
Part 2 - Binary numbers
the binary number system - how it evolved and how it works
how computers use binary numbers, looking at text and images
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
loads of embedded videos (to extract, click here)
worksheets and self-evaluation documents
I have used it very successfully with students in years 5 through to 7 (with slight modifications), and all have absolutely loved the topic.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: numbers, binary, ascii, bitmap, transistor, computer, programming, coding, algorithm, digital, image
The HyperText Markup Language, or HTML is the standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser.
(wikipedia definitions)
This is a series of 45-60 minute lessons that will give students (and often, teachers) a much greater understanding of what a web page is and how they are created.
Each lesson comprises:
- a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
- loads of embedded videos (if you need to extract, click here)
- worksheets and self-evaluation files
The lesson objectives are:
- what is a web page
- how does HTML work
- creating a web page using HTML
To support these lessons, see
- what the Internet is (available as a FREE resource)
-the Internet and the World Wide Web
ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested" - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
This is Part 2 only.
This complete topic comprises 7 by 1-hour lessons, broken down into two parts
Part 1 - The fascinating History of Numbers
tally marks, Sumerians & Babylonians
Egyptians and Romans
Mayans and Hindu
Part 2 - Binary numbers
the binary number system - how it evolved and how it works
how computers use binary numbers, looking at text and images
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
loads of embedded videos (to extract, click here)
worksheets and self-evaluation documents
I have used it very successfully with students in years 5 through to 7 (with slight modifications), and all have absolutely loved the topic.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: numbers, binary, ascii, bitmap, transistor, computer, programming, coding, algorithm, digital, image
I introduce students to programming through Scratch, and then extend this into the world of coding through Python. The lessons use Trinket as a simple interface for entering and running Python 2 and Python 3 code - no downloads required.
This series of 5 one-hour lessons for absolute beginners looks at
what is Python
using strings and performing maths operations
functions, variables, loops and comparative operators
creating a Magic 8 Ball game in Python using user input
exploring if statements and adapting the game to SenseHat
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
embedded videos
worksheets and self-evaluation files
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: computer coding programming Babbage Lovelace function loop variable
*** NEW FOR SCRATCH V3***
In my series of Scratch projects, students are encouraged to learn through doing - creating projects that encourage learning.
In this NEW series of lessons for the latest Scratch 3, I provide a more structured approach, looking in detail at Scratch programming tools. Each tool is explored through simple projects, and students then go on to further explore using guided project worksheets.
What is Scratch v3
Events and Triggers
Controls
Motion and the Stage
Data Variables
Operators - number
Operators - text
Debugging
The lessons comprise:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides, together with the project instructions
a Word document with the PowerPoint project instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow
accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for students and teachers
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm, debugging
This complete topic comprises 7 by 1-hour lessons, broken down into two parts
Part 1 - The fascinating History of Numbers
tally marks, Sumerians & Babylonians
Egyptians and Romans
Mayans and Hindu
Part 2 - Binary numbers
the binary number system - how it evolved and how it works
how computers use binary numbers, looking at text and images
Each lesson comprises:
a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides
loads of embedded videos (to extract, click here)
worksheets and self-evaluation documents
I have used it very successfully with students in years 5 through to 7 (with slight modifications), and all have absolutely loved the topic.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: numbers, binary, ascii, bitmap, transistor, computer, programming, coding, algorithm, digital, image
The ever expanding Code Club first promoted Scratch, and I loved it – creating and successfully delivering a range of lessons for Junior students.
Code Club is now promoting Blender ,and I think I love it even more!
I’ve created and delivered a series of lessons for Junior students this year, and the response was overwhelming. Students loved learning about 3D graphics and went on to produce some amazing creations of their own. While I thought it might be too advanced, students as young as 8 have grasped and loved using it.
3D GRAPHICS REALLY IS A USEFUL SKILL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE.
The lessons assume absolutely no knowledge and build up in a gradual way
Lessons 1-2 (FREE)
What is Blender
The Blender interface
Navigating the 3D view port
Lessons 3-5
Transforming objects
Creating, selecting and duplicating objects
Project: create a snowman
Lessons 6-9
Rendering, colours and lighting
Editing objects
Project: create a donut
Lessons 10-13
3D Text
Box modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, bevels
Project: create a Treasure Chest
Lessons 14-15
Animations using Timeframes
Animations using Rigid Bodies
Each lesson is delivered via an animated PowerPoint with an accompanying Workbook, and follows a similar format:
A short video to inspire (embedded in the PowerPoint)
Explanations about any new concepts and skills
A demo of what will be covered (Blender demo files included)
Working together trying out these new concepts and skills (Workbook and Blender exercise files are provided)
Free exploration
A project bringing it all together (a finished Blender file is provided)
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
There are so many really great sites offering Scratch Project ideas. However, many tend to be like recipes - follow the instructions and you’ll create a cake. The problem I find is that the students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, but without learning an awful lot about Scratch.
My goal is to get students to create a fun project, whilst at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. To this end, I use the following approach:
break the project down into manageable chunks
present students with an algorithm for each chunk
provide students with the instructions for each algorithm, but jumbled up
In this way, students learn about algorithms (a VERY important part of coding), and have to understand the instructions in order to sequence them to correctly match the algorithm.
The lessons comprise:
a PowerPoint with introductory slides, together with the project instructions
a Word document with the PowerPoint instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow
accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for teachers that match each chunk of the project
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).
ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.
But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.
Teacher/Author: Barrie James
Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm