Introduction to Computing

Lesson Overview

• Subject: Technology (Computing)
• Year Group: Year 3
• Lesson Duration: 40 minutes
• Class Size: 20 students
• Curriculum Area: Computing – National Curriculum in England
• Level: Key Stage 2 (Lower KS2)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Understand what computers are and their role in everyday life.
2. Recognise examples of technology used at home and in school.
3. Learn basic human-computer interaction principles.
4. Work collaboratively to explore and discuss computing concepts.

Curriculum Links

This lesson addresses the following points from the UK National Curriculum for Computing (KS2):

• Understand what algorithms are and how they are implemented as programs on digital devices.
• Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

"What is Technology?" – Think, Pair, Share

• Ask the class: "What is technology?"
• Give pupils 30 seconds to think, then 1 minute to discuss with a partner.
• Invite a few pairs to share their answers.
• Use their responses to introduce the concept of computers as programmable machines.

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2. Main Teaching (10 minutes)

What is a Computer?

• Show images of various devices (e.g. laptops, tablets, smart speakers, washing machines).
• Discuss what makes them similar (they all have processors and follow instructions).
• Briefly introduce algorithms: computers follow a sequence of steps.

How Do Computers Help Us?

• Discuss real-life examples (e.g. traffic lights, ATMs, weather forecasts).
• Ask: "Where do we use computers in school?"

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3. Interactive Activity (15 minutes)

Human Algorithms (Unplugged Activity)

• Split the class into groups of four.
• Each group writes a simple set of instructions for making a jam sandwich.
• One pupil (the "robot") follows the instructions, while others watch and correct the steps.
• Explain that computers follow precise instructions (code) and how small mistakes can affect outcomes (debugging!).

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4. Plenary (5 minutes)

Quick Quiz – True or False

1. A fridge is a computer. (✅ True – many modern fridges have processors.)
2. Computers only exist in schools and offices. (❌ False – they are everywhere!)
3. An algorithm is just a random list of steps. (❌ False – it must be in order.)
4. If a computer doesn't understand an instruction, it will still work correctly. (❌ False – it might crash!)

Reflection Question:

• "Can you think of a time today when you used a computer without realising?"

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Differentiation & Support

• Higher ability students: Challenge them to add decisions (e.g. "If no bread, go to the shop") to their human algorithm.
• Lower ability students: Provide example steps and visuals to guide the sandwich-making instructions.

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Resources Needed

• Printed images of different technological devices
• Paper and pencils for algorithm activity
• A whiteboard for whole-class discussions

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe participation in discussions
• Check accuracy of jam sandwich algorithms
• Use plenary quiz responses to gauge understanding

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Extension Activities

• Digital Exploration: Pupils use tablets/computers to search for unusual examples of computers in daily life.
• Creative Task: Pupils draw a futuristic device that uses a computer and explain how it works.

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Teacher Reflection (Post Lesson)

• Were pupils engaged with unplugged activities?
• Did they grasp the concept of algorithms?
• What adjustments could be made for next time?

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End of Lesson 🚀