Teach computing: Introducing physical computing
RPFPhysC
Explore the exciting world of physical computing! Learn how to bring physical computing into your lessons using your choice of one of two devices and programming languages. Either explore what your learners can do with MakeCode block-based programming to control the sensors and outputs on the BBC micro:bit, or discover how they can use the power of the text-based language Python to control external devices like RGB LEDs and buzzers via the Raspberry Pi Pico.
About this Course
On this accessible course from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you'll be introduced to the exciting world of physical computing. In the first week, you'll think about how physical computing can help learners, and you'll try out both the BBC micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi Pico using web-based emulators. In the second week, you'll develop your understanding of your chosen device, and program it to use a selection of inputs and outputs, including GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) pins. You'll also think about some teaching approaches to help your learners get started with your chosen device. In the final week, you'll use the 'levels of abstraction' approach to plan and work through a physical computing project using your chosen device, moving from defining a problem to designing a solution, before you turn your designs into code and test them. You'll also make a plan for how you'll bring physical computing into your setting, whether that's computing lessons, cross-curricular activities, or a club outside of formal lessons.
What You'll Learn
- Identify the potential benefits of teaching with physical computing activities
- Compare general-purpose computers and microcontrollers
- Choose from the BBC micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi Pico, according to which best fits your situation
- Create physical computing projects with your chosen device, and test out emulators for both devices
- Evaluate the Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify and Make (PRIMM) approach (if you take the micro:bit path) or worked examples (if you take the Pico path) for use with your learners
- Develop your own physical computing project using the levels of abstraction approach
- Plan how you can implement physical computing in your curriculum, either as discrete (separate) computing lessons, or with other subjects (a cross-curricular approach)
Prerequisites
- In particular, you will need to understand the key programming concepts of sequencing, repetition, selection, and variables
- You should also have some knowledge of the curriculum that you are expected to teach, or know where to find this