Year 7 - Computing
Designing a physical computing project
Physical computing using the micro:bit
Study Hub
Study Guides
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 design a physical computing project and break down its functionality into simpler features.
Key Notes
- Design a physical computing project that solves a problem for a specific audience using available resources.
- Break down a complex task into smaller, simpler steps.
Vocabulary To Learn
- audience: the intended users of the physical computing project
- decompose: the process of breaking down a large task into several subtasks
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Planning a physical computing project slows you down and does not need to be thought of before starting what you want to make.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Design a physical computing project that solves a problem for a specific audience using available resources. Break down a complex task into smaller, simpler steps.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'audience'
the intended users of the physical computing project. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: Planning a physical computing project slows you down and does not need to be thought of before starting what you want to make. Correction: A plan helps you think through the steps, figure out what you need, and make sure your project turns out how you want it to. If you don't plan, you could end up making mistakes that will mean your project doesn't turn out how you would like.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Computing guide library.