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Introduction to computational thinking and the Internet of Things
This one-hour lesson examines the design of IoT algorithms, considering how individual devices execute algorithms as code, allowing them to work together. The key aims are to develop computational thinking while raising awareness of the potential for future careers and enterprise.
The lesson starts with the basics, with inspiring video showcasing some of the exciting future directions it might take. Students then begin exploring ‘what is the internet of things?’ by examining ‘smart’ versions of technology with which they are already familiar, such as fridges, cars and mobile phones. They soon move to considering how devices interact in terms of data, and the behaviour of the devices across a network, to solve challenges in different fields such as health and fire safety. This results in the writing of pseudocode algorithms using everyday language, with an extension activity inviting students to create flowcharts using free online tools.
This lesson would form a sound foundation for more open-ended design challenges and prototyping.
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Teachers' notes (pdf) 296.89 KB
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Teacher presentation 885.5 KB
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Devices computing cards 514.46 KB
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Work mat template computing 591.05 KB
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Writing frame template 133.84 KB