Category: ELC

TEACHING COMPUTING IN A ROAD SAFETY CONTEXT

This short clip captures how Computing Science does not sit insolation and this is one example of how it can be embedded through the curriculum and in the context of children’s interests through play. The context for learning in the video is health and wellbeing, road safety. The programmable devices are all playing an important role in telling the story of how to cross a road safely. Early level learners create algorithms to programme the BeeBot to travel as cars along the road. Older learners use a more abstract form of programming with the other devices in the clip.   

  • I know and can demonstrate how to travel safely  HWB 0-18a  

 

  • In movement, games, and using technology I can use simple directions and describe positions MTH 0-17a

 

  • I can develop a sequence of instructions and run them using programmable devices or equivalent. TCH 0-15a 

 

If you paid close attention, you may have noticed a missed debugging opportunity? The programmable device ‘crossing the road’ did not look left and right again before crossing the second road! 

DEDRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL CODE CHRISTMAS

Dedridge Primary School, West Lothian shared this wonderful example of how early level learners created algorithms to programme BeeBots to retell the nativity story at Christmas time. How many areas of the curriculum can you identify in this clip? 

We would love to continually add examples of how you are embedding computing science through play in ELC settings and with the young learners you are working with. Please click on this link to share your examples of unplugged computing science and how children are exploring programmable devices if you have access to them 

WHAT DOES COMPUTING SCIENCE LOOK LIKE AT EARLY LEVEL?

Computing Science is fun, exciting and engaging for learners of all ages and it can be introduced to early level learners through play across the curriculum.  

There are 3 organisers in the Computing Science curriculum, running throughout BGE. Computational Thinking is the golden thread that runs throughout our curriculum and our lives. It is intertwined in almost everything we do in life and encourages us to be curious about problem solving, creatively discover solutions and learn how to identify and confidently correct errors. Computing Science play-based provocations can be provided without any devices at early level (and beyond). Opportunities for unplugged computing science activities lay the foundations of understanding algorithms and programming and is a fun, developmentally appropriate way to introduce computing science with early level learners. 

 

DigiLearnScot Computing Science ELC home

GIRLGUIDES: DIGITAL SCOTLAND CHALLENGE BADGE

Activities, support and resources to help you work towards achieving the Digital Scotland challenge badge.

This project is developed and funded by Scottish Government through the
Digital Scotland Business Excellence Partnership whose partners include Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, Education Scotland, Scotland IS, Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, FSB and Digital Technologies sector representatives.

CS UNPLUGGED

CS Unplugged

CS Unplugged is a collection of free teaching material that teaches Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. It has sections for educators, families and learners. The site is aimed at younger learners and introduces computing concepts without the need for computers – making it ideal for logic and problem solving activities in any class.

Visit CS Unplugged

GOOGLE – CS FIRST

CS First

CS First is a free computer science curriculum from Google that makes coding easy to teach and fun to learn. Their site has information and professional learnign for educators to make sure they have the confidence and knowledge to introduce Computing Science to their learners, as well as video tutorials and block-based coding challenges using Scratch for learners.

Visit CS First