Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

Applications of Programmable Systems

In this activity, students examine how programmable systems have developed over time. Students use the internet to research a programmable system, place inventions correctly on a timeline and use information about developments in electronics, computing and materials to explain patterns in the development of programmable systems. Modern society depends on programmable systems, from industrial robots to smartphones. The systems of today are only possible because of past inventions. Students work in teams to research details about one programmable system from the past. They then present their findings and work as a class to build up a timeline. Students can then work independently using this timeline, plus other key inventions, to describe and explain patterns in the development of programmable systems. The teacher notes give clear and comprehensive guidance on how the resources are to be delivered.

Show health and safety information

Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.

Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.