Category: Physical Computing

Make a Crumble Controlled Volcano!

We’ve all created volcanos in DT, but how about simulating one using physical computing? This was the brilliant idea of a teacher up in Doncaster who then requested some support in how to achieve it.

There are numerous possible solutions, but this is the way I would do it. I’ve not tested the real thing, so I’ve no idea if the motors would be powerful enough to push the syringe, or if the liquid would ‘erupt’ or just dribble! Or how much the LED’s would be visible… BUT this is how I would do it!

This is my proposed diagram, or ‘design algorithm’:

Not sure about the custard, might be too thick! Best use red coloured water?

And here is my explanation!

Forgive the quiet talking, all my kids were in bed!

Here is my wiring solution:

Here is the code diagram:

Here is the link to a GDrive folder, with all videos, pictures and also the actual save Crumble code.

Crumble Volcano Resources

Let me know if you’re going to give this a try, and if it works!

Happy volcanoing!!

0

The Big Computing Leadership Conference!

Book now for The Big Computing Leadership Conference. Everything a computing subject leader needs is here. Find out how to improve your computing provision at primary or secondary. Thursday 14th December at Oxford Brookes University.

Brought to you by the NCCE Leadership Specialist Hub, we have four strands, over twenty sessions and an exhibition area full of top-class vendors. There’s something for every computing lead at The Big Computing Leadership Conference.

Click here to for more information and to book your place now!

0

Solar Panel Sun Tracker – Crumble Resource

I’m please (and very excited) to announce that a Crumble project I designed for digit<all> charity has been released and is available for you to download! It’s a really fun little physical computing project that will stimulate lots of conversation around sustainable energy and real-world engineering.

Solar Panel Sun Tracker

This project involves constructing and programming an imitation solar panel using Redfern’s Crumble technology. The panel mimics a sunflower’s behaviour by tracking the sun’s apparent movement across the sky. As light conditions change, the panel adjusts its position, optimising energy capture. This hands-on activity highlights sustainable energy principles and relates to Amazon’s commitment to renewable energy.

Outcomes

  • Construct and program an imitation solar panel using Redfern’s Crumble technology.
  • Simulate sunflower-like sun tracking to maximize energy efficiency.
  • Respond to changing light conditions by adjusting panel orientation.
  • Optimize power output by positioning the panel perpendicular to the sun’s direction.
  • Demonstrate a practical application of sustainable energy principles.
0

Primary Computing CPD run by Phil Wickins

Here is a list of all up and coming Primary Computing CPD events that I am leading, please click the links to book on.

As you can see, I’ve labelled the free ones, but depending on what you’ve already attended some of the non labelled ones may include a subsidy (NCCE Courses only) so you get money back to your school. Click on the links to find out more…

Curriculum Support:

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 1 (Teach Computing Curriculum) (Short Course) Thursday 12th Jan 3:30 – 5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 1 (Teach Computing Curriculum) (Short Course) Wednesday 18th Jan 1:30 – 3pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 2 (Teach Computing Curriculum)(Short Course) Wednesday 18th Jan 3:30 -5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 3 (Teach Computing Curriculum)(Short Course) Thursday 19th Jan 3:30 -5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 4 (Teach Computing Curriculum)(Short Course) Thursday 26th Jan 3:30 -5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 5 (Teach Computing Curriculum)(Short Course) Thursday 2nd Feb 3:30 -5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Year 6 (Teach Computing Curriculum)(Short Course) Thursday 9th Feb 3:30 -5pm

Short Courses:

Digit<all> (Remote) (FREE): CAD – 3D design in the DT and Computing Curriculum Wednesday 14th December 3:45 – 5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Getting Started in Physical Computing with the Crumble (Short Course) Monday 30th Jan 3:30 – 5pm

Digit<all> (Remote) (FREE): Introduction to the Crumble – Primary Physical Computing Thursday 2nd February 3:45 – 5pm

Digit<all> (Remote) (FREE): Computing Assessment – Primary Thursday 2nd March 3:45 – 5pm

NCCE (Remote) (FREE): Preparing for Ofsted in Primary Computing (short course) – Monday 6th March 3:45 – 5:15pm

Day Courses (£65 per day, with £220 subsidy available if it’s your school’s first NCCE course this academic year)

NCCE (Remote): Intro to Primary Computing (1 day equivalent) – Part 1 – Friday 3rd Feb 1pm – 4pm, Part 2 – Friday 10th Feb, 1pm – 4pm

NCCE (Remote): Intro to Primary Computing – Monday 13th March – 9:30 – 3pm

NCCE (Remote): Teaching Primary Computing Through Contexts Friday 17th March 9:30 – 3:30pm

NCCE (Remote): Leading Primary Computing (2 days) – Day 1 – Monday 6th Feb – 9:30 – 3pm, Day 2 – Friday 24th Feb, 9:30 – 3pm

Programming and Algorithms: (£65, with £220 subsidy available if it’s your school’s first NCCE course this academic year)

NCCE (Remote): Primary Programming and Algorithms – Monday 27th Feb – 9:30 – 3:30pm 

NCCE (Remote): Primary Programming and Algorithms Monday 20th March 9:30 – 3:30pm

NCCE (Remote): Primary Programming and Algorithms Monday 27th March 9:15 – 3:30pm

I am a Senior Professional Development Leader for STEM and the NCCE. Here are some recent testimonials:

“On behalf of the Good Shepherd Trust schools and other invited schools, can I say a huge thank you to Phil Wickins who ran the primary Algorithms and Programming course today at our central office. It is rare to have a trainer with deep technical knowledge, combined with immediately usable and pragmatic pedagogical skill. His style of deliver was really engaging and catered for all levels. All the teachers (some very experienced, others far less so) went away with new strategies, rationale and skills. We look forward to welcoming Phil again!”

“Just wanted to give some feedback regarding today’s programming and algorithm CPD. Very very useful!! As I am a new teacher my knowledge and confidence is limited so this training has definitely helped. Phil was extremely clear and calm in his delivery which made me feel more inclined to participate and ask/answer questions. The session overviewed some really key concepts and broke it down well”

“Just wanted to say thank you Phil. That was an absolutely brilliant course. You gave loads of advice, tips and ways of getting across to the children. The course content was all relevant and despite thinking I was quite knowledgeable before have come away with even more knowledge. The pace was set perfectly to the people on the course and you would answer questions and explain in a different way if something was not understood. Massive thank you again for this I know have lots to go and feedback to my school!”

0

Free Primary Computing Training

Free training in all aspects of the computing curriculum for any school, state or private, supply teachers, trainees, home school teachers etc.

digit<all>

I’m delighted to announce that I have teamed up with digit<all> a fantastic charity whose aim is to advance digital competency in a diverse and constantly changing world through an active, digital lifestyle.

Digit<all> are putting on a host of free online CPD opportunities for primary school staff. Please browse their excellent range of training here:

Digit<all> – Professional Development (Primary)

I am facilitating the sessions on Crumble (Physical Computing) and Primary Assessment in Computing. You can join for free, or if you wish, add a small donation to the charity on sign up.

There are also support packages for schools available, please take a look here:

Whole school computing & teaching support with tech solutions

0

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑