Year 7 - Computing
Creating programs on a physical computing device
Physical computing using the micro:bit
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils will plan, develop, and evaluate a physical computing project. They will break down the project into smaller, easier-to-solve tasks. They will put these plans into action to create a working prototype that they use to evaluate their successes and identify future improvements.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the hardware of a physical computing device and write a simple program for it.
Key Notes
- Physical computers make use of hardware components to carry out actions in the real world.
- Hardware components can be programmed on the micro:bit to carry out actions.
- The micro:bit emulator allows you to test block-based code before downloading it.
- Programs for the micro:bit can be transfered to the device using a USB cable.
Vocabulary To Learn
- hardware component: a physical part of a computer or device that helps perform its function, such as wires, buttons, or an LED display
- input: data that is sent to a program to be processed
- output: information produced by a computer system as a result of processing data
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Computers always have screens so that the user knows what processing has been performed.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Physical computers make use of hardware components to carry out actions in the real world. Hardware components can be programmed on the micro:bit to carry out actions.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'hardware component'
a physical part of a computer or device that helps perform its function, such as wires, buttons, or an LED display. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: Computers always have screens so that the user knows what processing has been performed. Correction: Computers can carry actions using a variety of output devices. Physical computers are often used to carry out physical actions based on detected inputs so do not need a screen to display information.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Computing guide library.