Physical Computing Training REMOTE

You have been asking for a while now for me to run some Physical Computing courses remotely, for those of you who have Crumble kits already in your school. I’m pleased to let you know that on Thursday 9th December I will be doing just that!

I’m going to run 2 free courses so you can choose which time slot works best for you, please use the following links to book on:

Crumble For Beginners – Primary Computing CPD: Remote Thursday 9th December 1pm – 3pm

Crumble For Beginners – Primary Computing CPD: Remote Thursday 9th December 3:30pm – 5:30pm

This course takes you from the most basic level of what Physical Computing is, right the way through to wiring and coding a physical robotic system. I will give you hints and tips, share best practice with how to engage, support and challenge your pupils, and give you lots of free resources to take away and use straight away.

Please be aware that this is a remote course, so to participate successfully, you will need the following:

A Crumble kit (I will be using the starter kit from Redfern, plus a pair of motors and wheels)

A computer (must have USB port) with Redfern’s Crumble Software on it (which can run on PC, Mac and Chromebooks)

A printed template of my Origami Crumble Cart

Coloured felt tips – red, black, green, yellow, scissors, pencil and a blob of bluetack.

I will most likely be using Google Meet to deliver this training.

Do you know origami?

I look forward to seeing you online!

If you want to read more about Physical Computing and see some pupil examples, please have a look at my Physical Computing page…

October 20, 2021 0

DIY Crumble Cart!

Teaching Physical Computing is mandatory in UK Primary Schools (See my previous post on Physical Computing: Where do I start? for more information)

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!

You can also head here to the official STEM resource library to download it: Build your own Crumble Cart!

April 5, 2021 0

KS1 and KS2 training in specialist computing areas

Primary Computing remote CPD courses — Primary Computing Remote CPD Courses

Phil Bagge and I are delivering remote training sessions on some of the more niche areas of the computing curriculum. From Physical Computing to 3D design, take you pick in this quality (yet cheap – only £40) training opportunity.

Download the PDF flyer below and you can click on each course title to book on.

primary-computing-remote-cpd-courses Download

For even more CPD opportunities in both primary and secondary, please visit:

Park House School CPD Network – remote and online training

May 9, 2020 0

Free CPD in Primary Computing

Associate Facilitator STEM primary computing

There is a new wave of primary and secondary CPD, free for teachers in state schools in England, being released by the NCCE. For a full catalogue of courses you can book on to, please head to www.teachcomputing.org

Here are the courses that I am running, hosted by Park House Computing Hub. Click on the flyer to book on…

Primary Computing - NCCE Programming and Algorithms Course - May 2020 — Primary Computing – NCCE Programming and Algorithms Course – May 2020

Primary Computing - NCCE Programming and Algorithms Course - June 2020 — Primary Computing – NCCE Programming and Algorithms Course – June 2020

Primary Computing - NCCE Programming and Algorithms Course - July 2020 — Primary Computing – NCCE Programming and Algorithms Course – July 2020

I’ve been delivering the Primary Programming and Algorithms course remotely since lockdown; here is some feedback from some of my delegates:

Now I feel more confident with teaching the various skills required for primary computing; I cannot wait to apply what I have learnt in the classroom! Thank you so much!
KS1 Teacher

Learned loads more about Scratch – definitely feeling a lot more confident in terms of teaching from the algorithm stage to then applying it to the coding with the selection aspects! Was also a great laugh connecting with others in these isolated times! Thanks so much – got loads of great ideas to use in the classroom!
KS2 Teacher

Feeling much more confident to teach selection and variables. I think the practical classroom activities will prove really useful to introduce algorithms and programming within my own class. As an NQT this is something that I will take forward and implement in my classroom as as soon as possible 🙂
NQT

Thank you Phil! I’ve never learnt through remote access before but have enjoyed it so much. I now need to ‘play’ with Scratch and learn for myself. You have gone above and beyond to answer questions and provide support for us and share your valuable resources.
Deputy Head

April 30, 2020 0

Poetry in (all the com-) motion…

Poem Miss Tough Primary Computing Run Don't Walk

“Tell me a fact and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.”
Indian Proverb

I met a fantastic teacher at the ‘Computing At School 2020’ conference in London, who really inspired me with her approach to helping students recall knowledge about computing.

Now I’m a huge advocate of learning through music and telling stories, but I’ve never come across this approach before and I think it is truly marvellous. Learning computing, through poetry!

Have a look at her website: TEACHING COMPUTING WITH POETRY – MISS TOUGH

Not only is it full of amazing poems, but if you check out the menu you’ll find riddles, downloadable booklets, inspired artwork and even an escape room puzzle!

So thank you Miss Tough, for taking our learning to the next level! I’ve added a quick sample, which is one of my faves!

April 3, 2020 0