SILO 3.4 lesson plans

SILO 3.4 (DRAFT)

Year 3, Term 4: Coding Focus: Coding Scope and sequence: Coding
Learning intention: Students engage in coding to interact with virtual and tangible objects.
NSW Syllabus	Australian Curriculum (version 9.0)
"A student defines problems, describes and follows algorithms to develop solutions." (ST2-3DP-T)	"Students learn to implement simple algorithms as visual programs involving control structures and input." (AC9TDI4P04)

Week 1

Introduction to the topic

This video (1:49) from NASA is an engaging look into the importance of coding.

Introduction to block-based coding

Introduction to block-based code using micro:bit (https://makecode.microbit.org/).

This video (2:09) is also a very good introduction to the BBC micro:bit.

Week 2

The following picture identifies some of the components and features of the Micro:bit.

(https://microbit.org/get-started/user-guide/overview/)

Using buttons on the micro:bit

The following screenshot depicts an introductory activity using the two buttons on the micro:bit. The code file is here (right click, 'Save link as...') but it is recommended that you write this instead to model the coding process.

Go to https://makecode.microbit.org/
Click on 'New project'
Add three pink 'Input' blocks
Insert three blue Show LED blocks (found under 'Basic')
Create a vertical line pattern for Button A, a horizontal line for Button B, and an addition symbol (+) for Buttons 'A' and 'B' together.

You will notice that if using a mouse you can't press Buttons A and B simultaneously in simulation mode. This provides a good reason to load the code onto a micro:bit and then use the buttons on each device. Additional instructions for how to get the code onto the micro:bit are on the https://makecode.microbit.org/ site.

A logical next step for this lesson would be to ask the children to make their own version of this code where they have three different LED patterns. They could even make their own logos. If they can't think of anything you could suggest making a variation on the pattern listed above where they have diagonal lines for the 'A' and 'B' buttons. 'A' and 'B' together could then be programmed to make a multiplication symbol (x).

Week 3

Making a thermometer

The micro:bit can detect the temperature so making a thermometer is as easy as using the following code. An alternative to this could be to use a blue 'Forever' block so that the temperature is continually displayed and updated rather than having to press a button.

Week 4

Making dice

The micro:bit has an in-built accelerometer. This means that it can be used to detect motion, including being shaken. The following code is all that is required to make a dice.

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Moderated self-assessment

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Year 3, Term 4: Coding

Focus: Coding

Scope and sequence: Coding

Learning intention: Students engage in coding to interact with virtual and tangible objects.