Creative Coding

Year Level: Year 5

Learning Area: Science

Duration: 50 minutes

Class Size: 25 Students

Technology Focus: Micro-bits

Syllabus Outcomes

Science Understanding - Digital Technologies:

• ST3-3DP-T: Plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity.
• ST3-5LW-T: Investigates how electrical energy can control movement, sound, or light in a system.

Objectives

• Students will understand the basic components and functions of Micro-bits.
• Students will explore how to program Micro-bits to create a simple, interactive project.
• Students will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on experimentation.

Materials

• Micro-bits (one per student or one per pair)
• Computers or tablets with internet access for programming
• USB cables for Micro-bit connection
• Various electronic components (LEDs, resistors, buzzers)
• Projector for demonstration

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Objective Introduction:

   • Welcome the students and explain the lesson objectives.
   • Explain what Micro-bits are and show a brief demonstration using the projector.

2. Exploration of Components:

   • Distribute a Micro-bit to each student or pair.
   • Allow students to explore the different components on the Micro-bit (e.g., LED display, buttons, sensors).

Main Activity (35 minutes)

Part 1: Basic Programming (15 minutes)

1. Introduction to Code Editor:

   • Show students how to access the Micro-bit code editor on their devices.
   • Demonstrate simple block coding to create a basic program (e.g., making the LEDs form a smiley face).

2. Hands-On Coding:

   • Allow students to create their own simple program. Encourage creativity and experimentation.
   • Walk around to provide support and guidance as needed.

Part 2: Interactive Project (20 minutes)

1. Project Planning:

   • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
   • Introduce the task: each group will create an interactive project using their Micro-bits (e.g., a simple game, an electronic dice, or a sound-activated light).

2. Guided Development:

   • Provide instructions and examples of how to connect other electronic components (like LEDs and buzzers) to the Micro-bit.
   • Allow students to brainstorm and plan their project.
   • Have students start programming and building their projects, testing and iterating as they go.

3. Presentation:

   • If time allows, have each group briefly present their project to the class.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Reflection and Discussion:

   • Gather students for a group discussion.
   • Ask questions such as:
     • What challenges did you encounter?
     • How did you solve them?
     • What did you enjoy the most about this activity?

2. Wrap-Up:

   • Summarise the key learnings of the lesson.
   • Highlight how these skills and knowledge could be applied to other areas or future projects.

Differentiation

• Support for Struggling Students:

  • Provide additional visual aids or step-by-step written instructions.
  • Pair them with a more knowledgeable peer.
  • Offer more guided practice before letting them attempt tasks independently.

• Extension for Advanced Students:

  • Encourage creating more complex programs with multiple outputs.
  • Allow them to add additional sensors or components to their projects.
  • Challenge them to debug and improve their peers’ projects.

Evaluation

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observe students during the activity to assess engagement and understanding.
  • Provide immediate feedback and support.

• Summative Assessment:

  • Evaluate the final projects based on creativity, functionality, and teamwork.
  • Use a rubric to assess specific elements such as coding skills and project design.

This lesson plan leverages hands-on experimentation with Micro-bits to engage Year 5 students in an exploratory and technology-rich learning experience aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Through the integration of Digital Technologies, students not only learn scientific concepts but also enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.