In this activity, pupils compare Earth and Mars in the context of geography and science. They will begin by comparing the positions of both planets in the solar system, and end by designing their own life forms that could potentially survive on Mars.

This report is the outcome of a project initiated by the Royal Society in August 2010. The project was prompted by a high degree of concern about aspects of the provision of education in Computing in UK schools. The project was guided by an Advisory Group that brought together individuals and representatives with a...

This resource highlights a variety of computing resources which can be adapted and used to inspire football or sports-themed activities. They can be used in the classroom to develop pupil's computing skills and knowledge. It’s not just about sport – these resources can also encourage young learners to think about...

VEX 123 STEM Labs activities offer ways to link physical computing and robotics to STEM and computing. These one-page exercises are designed to be easy to follow, for independent application for pupils. Each activity is designed around a ‘Play’ based concept to apply the computer science skills and concepts pupils...

This edition of the Computing at School newsletter contains articles covering:

*Increasing the number of girls studying computing

*Inclusion in computing

*Network of Excellence and CAS Hubs

*Learning about programming through knitting

*Programming with GameMaker

*...

This computing activity introduces pupils to algorithms, gives them the opportunity to programme bee-bots and to use an internet search engine to find information, pictures and sounds. Pupils will build on their Year 1 computing knowledge throughout the activity and are able to work as part of a small team. This...

Combining maths and computational thinking, this Barefoot Computing activity for upper primary uses linear number sequences to introduce algorithms in computing. Children work collaboratively to apply logical thinking and pattern recognition - key concepts used across the Barefoot Computing project. While using...

This edition of the Computing at School newsletter covers many topics including:

*Visual development of mobile apps using App Inventor

*Active learning in computing using Lego NXT and Logo

*BYOB, an extension to Scratch that aids abstraction and extension

*Robot simulation using RoboMind...

A Barefoot Computing introductory programming activity for lower-primary children learning computing. Using the iPad app Scratch Jr, children are given the opportunity to develop skills by tinkering with existing programs as well as creating their own. Children might be offered the chance to tinker with other basic...

This edition of the Computing at School (CAS) newsletter is focused on physical computing, and features:

*The BBC Micro-Bit and Make It Digital projects

*CPD tips with Barefoot and Quickstart

*Primary school activities with Scratch and Makey Makey

*Scratch projects with Microsoft Kinect...

This unplugged computing activity from the Barefoot Computing project teaches basic algorithms through thinking about classroom rules. Using the idea of 'fair sharing', it covers sequences and basic do-while loops, and asks children to perform basic debugging. Suitable for children in early primary settings, it...

Using spellings of familiar words this Barefoot Computing unplugged computing activity for younger primary children introduces algorithms as rules that are followed, and which may require decisions and exceptions. From the Barefoot Computing project, this short lesson asks children to deduce spelling rules uses...

This edition of the Computing at School (CAS) newsletter covers a range of topics including:

*Unplugged computing magic tricks

*Programming using Alice, Scratch and GameMaker

*Making games with Kodu

*Object oriented programming in Java with Greenfoot

This activity can be used to introduce pupils to, or consolidate understanding of computing programming. Pupils will learn how programming is used on Mars and to understand the importance of this before using the programme ‘Python’ to complete their own computer code. This activity as part of the ‘Roving with...

Leah studied AS maths and IT and A level psychology and computing. Despite starting a computing degree, she subsequently realised that the Telecoms Support Apprenticeship Pathway suited her learning style more appropriately. She is now working as an apprentice at Azzuri, working to support customers...