Computing careers
This list supports teachers to deliver lessons in which children see computing in real-life contexts, highlighting careers which rely on computing knowldege abd skills.
Alan O'Brien - Software Engineer
Alan works at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, and is designing software for the James Webb Space Telescope. Alan talks about his work on the mid infrared instrument which will look at the formation of galaxies in the early universe. He uses coding in his job and explains how you need to write algorithms to a fine level of detail to get the code right.
Design Club: Design a Helpful Mobile App
Children work like software designers in this project where they design an app for a mobile device which is designed to solev a problem. The resource may be adapted so children are thinking like software engineers to find a problem in everyday life nad come up with an app that can be helpful in solving it.
Make a game project
This project allows pupils the opportunity to use Scratch to design, write and debug programmes as they create a game for younger pupils. The resource is split into three sessions. In session one the supporting resources will help pupils will decompose a game into its parts, design their game and create the artwork. In the second session pupils will write and debug their game and in the third session they will present and evaluate. Opportunities to provide challenge are also built into the activities through teacher challenge notes.
Emotional robot
A short starter activity for students of all ages. It would make a good introduction to lessons on robotics or artificial intelligence and could spark a discussion on how neural networks might be used to create human-like behaviour. Equally, when discussing HCI design, it might move the debate beyond keyboard and mice to the human-computer interactions of the future.
Lesson 8 - Comparing Mars rovers
This activity develops digital literacy using the context of exploring Mars. Also developing the skills of collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information. Children first learn about infographics and establish what makes a good one. They then design their own infographic to allow the reader to compare Mars rovers.
Creating media - Stop-frame animation
This is a whole unit of work, which links to learning in Year 3 on animation. Children learn about the work of an animation artist by using a range of techniques to create a stop frame animation.
Jobs in computing and digital
A list of roles which are linked to computing, technology and digital skills. This can help show teachers the kind of roles that are out there and provide a context for learning . Thinking about the skills and knowledge needed for these careers helps make links between what children are being taught in school and it's application in the world of work.
Martian Explorers: How does the ExoMars Rover Work?
This resource provides a series of 1 hour lessons designed to help children understand the need for exploration robots and learn about how they function. They are based around the European Space Agency’s (ESA) new robotic rover Rosalind Franklin will explore Mars and send back data vital for human exploration in the future.