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Subjects

Art and design Computing Design and technology French Geography History Music Physical education Spanish Religion and worldviews RSE & PSHE Science Wellbeing

Lesson 1: Dinosaur algorithm

Following instructions carefully whilst playing an unplugged version of a dinosaur-themed game.

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Learning objective

To decompose a game to predict the algorithms that are used.

Success criteria

I can understand what the terms decomposition and

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National curriculum

Computing

Pupils should be taught to:

Understand

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Cross-curricular links

English

Spoken language

Pupils should

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

Recap and recall

Before starting this unit, check that the children can recall: Algorithms are instructions in the correct order. Decomposition means breaking a problem into manageable chunks. Errors in an algorithm (instructions) are called bugs; fixing these is debugging.

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Adaptive teaching

Pupils needing extra support

Could use the link: BBC Bitesize - All about algorithms to introduce the key vocabulary of algorithm and decomposition before the lesson; could use the Knowledge organiser to check vocabulary throughout the lesson; could work with a partner to decompose the game’s code and to write new algorithms.

Pupils working at greater depth

Should plan a game with a range of actions for the dinosaur during the Main event.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: writing a creative algorithm for the

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Vocabulary definitions

algorithm

A clear set of instructions to carry out a task.
decomposition

To break something down into smaller chunks.

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In this unit

Assessment - Computing Y2: Algorithms and debugging

Lesson 1: Dinosaur algorithm

Lesson 2: Machine learning

Lesson 3: Through the maze

Lesson 4: Making maps

Lesson 5: Unplugged debugging

Originally created by:

Siobhan Morgan

Computing specialist

Head of Computing at Exeter Junior School, Siobhan Morgan has nine years of computing teaching experience as well as experience from her role of ‘Subject Genius for Computing’ on TES. Siobhán enjoys spending time with her family and searching for the Gruffalo in the woodland…

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