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...

This collection offers a selection of videos and career profiles to highlight the breath of STEM careers available. Some of the resources include experiments and classroom activities linked to the career theme, such as the Brian Cox school experiment...

Suitable resources for both primary and secondary aged pupils are listed here with those suitable for secondary resources being listed at the top. Some of the resources, like 'Code and Rescue' cover a series of possible lessons to look at code and programming whilst others like 'Programming languages - Harold the...

In 2015-16, the regional Network has been found to have sustained a strong upward trajectory in the amount of CPD that it is delivering, increasing its level of CPD delivery by 45% compared to 2014-15, and surpassing the levels of CPD delivery achieved in previous years.  

The Network has also forged new...

A short unplugged activity. This uses string and various other props to enable students to simulate the various network topologies required for GCSE Computing. The activities lead naturally into discussions around protocols, data collisions and reliability. A large open area may be required depending on the size...

This series of five one-hour lessons covers computer networks at secondary-school level. The objectives of the lessons are:

• Describe what a network is, the difference between a LAN and a WAN and identify three network topologies.
• Describe pieces of hardware that are needed in a network.
...

This resource contains some rules for an unplugged networking activity to model how routers and networks deal with transmitting packets of data. The activity is designed for 6 people to act as routers, who apply the routing rules to packets of data. There are 4 end points which send and receive packets according to...

Students would find this Computing at School community resource useful as a revision resource for the topics of networks and the internet. It is suitable to be issued as a sequence of homework tasks.

Normalisation of floating point binary numbers is usually a topic where students require practice. This pair of documents explain the technique and then provide a set of questions with answers for independent working.

The Inventive podcast uses storytelling to encourage listeners to find out more about engineers and what they do.  In each episode, Professor Trevor Cox interviews an engineer, and then a writer uses that interview as inspiration for a piece of fiction. The podcast brings...

Another great resource from the Computing at School community which is suitable as a consolidation activity for small groups, designed to consolidate learning regarding converting positive integers between the binary, denary and hexadecimal number...

Greenfoot is an object oriented programming language based on Java. This resource uses a skeleton crab game program to teach the principles of Greenfoot programming. Students complete the activities to complete the program. The resource includes a greenfoot project and a completed project. These are aimed at...

This is a very comprehensive resource from the University of Cambridge detailing the main functions of generic operating systems. It could be used as a reference or basis for a comprehension question sheet or preparing model answers for examination questions. Students will also see links with other topics such as...

A practical project that helps students to understand how client-server relationships are established, and what they might be used for. The example uses parallel computing across multiple Raspberry Pis to calculate a solution, as is often done when faced with complex scientific or engineering problems. The project...

Help encourage your child's STEM skills, passion and talent with this parents' guide to engineering careers.