One of the best products out there to deliver this fun and exciting part of the curriculum, is Redfern’s Crumble micro controller.
Here are instructions and resources for you to build your own little handy Crumble Cart. Just big enough to carry around your battery pack, Crumble and maybe even a couple of crumbs!
You will need: Printed template onto A4 card (or make it yourself from the measurements!), a pencil and some blue tack to make the holes and some scissors.
This is designed for two Crumble Motors, which can be bought along with everything else, from Redfern Electronics.
Watch the video for instructions and an example of how you can use it!
Just in case you’re interested, here is the code I used to program the cart as seen in the final part of the demo video…
Crumble Code for the Cart Demo in the Video…
Print this full size on to A4 paper (borderless if possible) then follow the instructions in the video.
If you prefer to draw your own, here are the measurements!
I will be delivering these sessions on behalf of the National Centre for Computing Education.
Course 1: Introduction to Primary Computing (aimed at complete beginners or teachers who are less confident in delivering computing)
Course content:
01 | What is computing? – Understand computing as a subject, a future career path, and a set of critical skills for modern life. Consider what outstanding teaching of computing for all should look like.
02 | The computing curriculum – Consider computing teaching and progression in your classroom and evaluate a range of high quality resources to help you develop towards outstanding learning.
03 | Getting started with teaching primary programming – Understand how computational thinking underpins learning of computer programming, and how algorithms form the basis of all programs – using programmable toys and free online tools.
04 | You don’t need to know everything – Navigate confidently through the vast range of support and resources available to help you develop your teaching of computing.
Click on the link below to book (all courses are remote, using online platforms)
Course 2: PrimaryProgramming and Algorithms (aimed at teachers who are quite confident at teaching computing; going deeper into terminology and programming constructs)
Course content:
01 | developing understanding in KS1 – You will understand algorithms and how they can be expressed in computer programs. You will learn strategies to support children to become confident and independent learners. You’ll also start to use programmable toys for early programming
02 | Sequence and repetition – Use unplugged teaching approaches that help children understand the key building blocks of algorithms. Develop the programming knowledge of young people using accessible on-screen coding environments, as well as more sophisticated use of programmable toys
03 | Selection and variables – Represent algorithm design in different forms including structured language and flowcharts. Use variables within more efficient programs, and develop effective pedagogy to teach programming throughout the primary age range
Select one of the following course dates (all courses are remote, using online platforms)
Who doesn't like some SketchUp in the mix – a wonderful tool with many applications. Intrigued by the idea of mashup with @scratch – will have to check this course out! https://t.co/2FW6jDhk65
A Year 6 design in Sketchup for their Crumble Robot
Due to popular demand, I’m delivering further online training for how to use, and get the best out of, 3D design software in Primary Schools. I’m going to be using Sketchup which is a powerful (and free!) tool which can either be downloaded and installed, or used within a browser (note: online use required an email sign up).
The cost is £25 for the 2 hour evening session, and you can sign up via Park House School CPD Network or by clicking on the flyer:
Run Don’t Walk Training – CAD (Sketchup) – Click on flyer to sign up
Using Computer Aided/Assisted Design (CAD) in primary schools is often overlooked. In KS2 especially, CAD usually and disappointingly results in pupils merely printing a 2D net, or creating a poster to advertise a product.
A Year 6 design in Sketchup for their Crumble Robot
This session will reveal how true 3D product design is achievable (and free!) not just for the DT curriculum, but also to serve in background/ sprite design within Computing as well as helping to meet the requirement of pupils needing to be able to select and use a wide range of software for specific purposes.
Using Sketchup Make 2017 (free for users within education), this session will cover creating basic 3D models, annotating, creating scale models with measurements, creating 2D images of these models as multi-viewpoint plans and cross sectional diagrams.
Year 4 Sketchup design for Santa’s North Pole Complex
Pupils should be taught to: select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
National Curriculum – Computing KS2
Pupils should be taught to: generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design
This course was a great success, here’s one tweet about it:
Just attended a brilliant course run by @PhilWickins! Learnt some fab new tips for using @SketchUp inc. using the cross section tool in a house, creating a robot and constructing Greek pillars. It was fantastic CPD on #CAD skills and I look forward to attending more! #3Dmodelingpic.twitter.com/ZtAZ5dZ8Nf
— Eat Sleep ICT Repeat (@EatSleepICTRpt) June 24, 2020
Example of Year 5 pupil Sketchup Car
Due to popular demand, I’m delivering some online training for how to use, and get the best out of, 3D design software in Primary Schools. I’m going to be using Sketchup which is a powerful (and free!) tool which can either be downloaded and installed, or used within a browser (note: online use required an email sign up).
The cost is £25 for the 2 hour evening session, and you can sign up via Park House School CPD Network or by clicking on the flyer:
Run Don’t Walk Training – CAD (Sketchup) – Click on flyer to sign up
Using Computer Aided/Assisted Design (CAD) in primary schools is often overlooked. In KS2 especially, CAD usually and disappointingly results in pupils merely printing a 2D net, or creating a poster to advertise a product.
A Year 6 design in Sketchup for their Crumble Robot
This session will reveal how true 3D product design is achievable (and free!) not just for the DT curriculum, but also to serve in background/ sprite design within Computing as well as helping to meet the requirement of pupils needing to be able to select and use a wide range of software for specific purposes.
Using Sketchup Make 2017 (free for users within education), this session will cover creating basic 3D models, annotating, creating scale models with measurements, creating 2D images of these models as multi-viewpoint plans and cross sectional diagrams.
Year 4 Sketchup design for Santa’s North Pole Complex
Pupils should be taught to: select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
National Curriculum – Computing KS2
Pupils should be taught to: generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design