Type:
Scratch
Curriculum Links to:
Science, D&T
Computer Science Concepts: Programming, Outputs, Inputs, Control
Computational Thinking Concepts & Approaches:
-
Creating
RESOURCE OVERVIEW:
In this activity pupils create a sound monitor for their classroom. The sound monitors they create are examples of control programs they take information from an input sensor (a microphone), and use this information to alter the output of the program (displaying a warning message if pupils are too noisy).
Optional: Schools with Lego Education WeDo hubs and motors may choose to use this equipment to have an additional movement output, such as waving a flag when pupils are too noisy.
PUPIL OBJECTIVES:
- I can write a control program.
- I can create a control system.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
- Informal teacher assessment of progress during lesson. Focus on: pupils’ understanding of functions of input, output devices and of control programs; pupils’ design for a sound monitor; pupils’ ability to implement design as program in Scratch.
- Formal summative assessment of designs and Scratch projects (completed in pairs).
LESSON TIMING: 60 min
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
- MIT’s Scratch 3.0, Scratch 2.0 or Scratch 1.4 or use Scratch Online (please refer to this guide on the ways to download and use our Scratch resources in your school).
- Pupil access to the Scratch resources - either downloaded from the ‘Download Resource’ link or within the Scratch 3.0 online editor from this link: Sound monitor examples
- Downloaded resources (see ‘Download Resource’ link above):
- Activity presentation
- Activity sheet
- Scratch commands help sheet
- Extension task help sheet
- Using lego education WeDo help sheet
- Computers used for this activity must have microphones.
- Optional: if your school has access to Lego Education WeDo equipment, pupils may wish to use the hub and motor in this activity as an output for their control program. More information appears in the guide in the downloads.