This magic trick from the Computer Science for Fun team at QMUL shows that computing is about more than just programming and computational thinking is about more than just algorithms.

A simple mathematical approach is taken with dealt piles of cards – this allows the dealer to control the whereabouts of the...

This unplugged activity from the CS4FN team uses two examples – an insulting computer and one that can play snap – to look at simple computer programming, flow of control and logic. Everything is provided for this front-of-class activity, which would act as an effective starter for a lesson on programming concepts...

This resource contains a series of card tricks. Each trick is presented in two parts. In the first part enough detail is given so that the trick can be performed. A description of the desired effect is given followed by an explanation of the mechanics of the trick – actually what is done to ensure the trick works...

The Magic of Computer Science II begins with an introduction to the resource, explaining the basic concepts used in the book. There follows descriptions of how to perform seven tricks with explanations of how the trick works and the computer science concepts illustrated in the tricks.

The joker in...

The third collection of magic tricks, from Paul Curzon and Peter McOwan, is entitled ‘magic meets mistakes, machines and medicine. The five card tricks contained make use of maths and computer science theory, and are used by real magicians.

Each trick includes magician’s instructions. The theory behind each...

This resource consists of a lesson plan from Cybersecurity Challenge UK on the topic of the TCP/IP model of networking. It would be useful as a topic introduction.

A fun introduction to algebra within computer science via the medium of a card trick. This resource is part of the CS4FN series from Queen Mary, University of London. The resource consists of an introductory presentation and accompanying activity sheet for students.

This resource from OCR provides teachers with a summary of A level coverage and common misconceptions. There are also a sequence of activities to allow students to develop their skills in applying abstraction. These include use of Venn diagram to consider object properties, a binary representation of an image and...

This set of  activities from OCR illustrate the concept of concurrency in algorithm development. A teacher pack and learning activity packs are provided. Activities move from the familiar, division of labour when washing up, to the less familiar topic of writing programs using threading in Python. Routing and...

Within this resource from OCR students use their logical problem-solving skills to develop a cash register that will calculate required change. The task develops students’ logical thinking skills.They will...

Containing two linked activities, these resources from the CS4FN team introduce graphs to represent inter-related data and algorithms to negotiate them.

Suitable for non-programmers being introduced to algorithms, the two challenges – the Knights Tour and the Tour Guide – are similar. Both use graphs as...

This document contains a number of activities for students to carry out. They develop an instruction set for a fictional processor which forms a thought-provoking introduction to this topic. Encourage them to think about basic mathematical operations and how data values need to be manipulated within the CPU. This...

This blog, from Mr CompSci, details key concepts of functional programming. This is a useful resource for teachers as well as students. It could be used as a revision resource, a reference or for students to prepare notes from.

Two documents cover the topics of functions and recursion. Students are provided with Python code and need to think through exactly what the code will do.

This resource consists of a comprehensive teaching pack on the topic of data protection and compliance from the Information Commissioner’s Office. It is a self-contained resource that could be used in its entirety or themes and activities could be...