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Year 11 - Computing

Introduction to physical computing

Using physical computing to create a robot buggy

Unit Summary

This unit introduces pupils to physical computing by building a robotic buggy. They will use a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller to explore inputs and outputs, and utilise a range of hardware components, including motors, reflective optical sensors, LEDs, and an ultrasonic sensor.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe physical computing and create a working circuit.

Key Notes

  • Physical computing involves creating systems that interact with the real world using software and hardware.
  • Microcontrollers are small programmable devices that can control electrical components like LEDs by running simple code.
  • General purpose input output (GPIO) pins are used to interface with the real world.
  • Embedded systems are used in a wide variety of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial machines.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • physical computing: using code and electronic components to interact with the physical world
  • microcontroller: a small computer on a single chip that's designed to control simple devices and systems
  • embedded systems: a computer built into a device to perform one specific task or a small set of tasks
  • GPIO pin: General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Physical computing is just about programming robots.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

Physical computing involves creating systems that interact with the real world using software and hardware. Microcontrollers are small programmable devices that can control electrical components like LEDs by running simple code.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'physical computing'

using code and electronic components to interact with the physical world. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: Physical computing is just about programming robots. Correction: Physical computing is much broader than just robotics. It includes any system where a computer interacts with the physical world through sensors and actuators, for example wearable devices, environmental sensors and smart home devices.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Computing guide library.