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...

This short unplugged activity, away from computers, introduces pattern recognition using familiar objects. Children are asked to analyse groups of objects (cats, cars and so on) to identify features common to all of them. Exceptions to the 'rules' are discussed, and parallels with writing computer programs are...

This 'unplugged' activity by Barefoot Computing, introduces pattern recognition and the idea that algorithms can be repurposed. Cooking recipes are analysed to find parts that are common to more than one. Reusable parts are then borrowed to create new recipes which the children share with the class. Additional...

This study unit offers some practical strategies that teachers use to structure learning. The techniques suggested are tried and tested; they draw on both academic research and the experience of practising teachers.

By working through this guide you can build your teaching repertoire step by step, starting...

These materials have been developed to give teachers a creative and engaging set of resources for use in the classroom, supplying the tools needed to raise awareness of key issues around personal information.

The primary school lesson plans explore what is meant by personal information, and give students the...

The guide Pictorial representation, from the Nuffield Mathematics Project, was designed to help teachers of students between the ages of 5 and 10. The guide deals with graphical representation in its many aspects. It contains helpful notes for the teachers as well as ideas and examples of students’ work.

Scientists at the University of Oxford are developing and improving computer programs that can learn. Often it is useful to feed computer programs a series of images and to get the computer to identify or sort them in some way, but how do computers create or store...

This Barefoot Computing activity challenges lower-primary children to debug simple Scratch programs that assemble pizzas on-screen. A simple four-step process for systematic debugging is demonstrated.

Using logical...

The growth of plants in space is a keen area of experimentation, including ongoing work aboard the International Space Station. Successful crops will help astronauts to spend longer in space, boosting their healthy diet while reducing the mass of prepared food that must be transported from Earth.

Using a...

Robots are really useful in space as they can do lots of different jobs, some of which are too difficult or dangerous for humans. This activity looks at the different uses of robots in space exploration, with children...

The resource includes Scratch blocks which can be printed and laminated to allow children to create block algorithms visually and in a hands-on way. A great resource to introduce the idea of Scratch blocks to Key Stage One students in the hope that they will become familiar with the system when they reach Key Stage...

Two different sets of printable Scratch blocks that could be used for display or for unplugged programming in upper key stage 1 classrooms as an introduction to programming.

Alec Jackson is the author of the Scratch block cutouts resource.

James Holmes, Gary Setchell, Keith Madderson and Cobie van de...

This five hour teaching pack examines how everyday technologies can be connected via the Internet Of Things (IoT) to improve fire safety. 

From the sensors...

These three resources, from the National Strategies, focus on solving problems.

Logic problems and puzzles...

This resource develops coding with RobotC, in combination with VEX robotics. It provides a series of student tasks that increase in difficulty over time, developing student awareness of RobotC and its application within robotics. This resource would work as a compliment to using VEX IQ in the classroom and as a...