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Data Representation is mentioned in the primary curriciulum from Foundation to Year 6. In years F-4 it refers to how data can be represented referring to the use of symbols, images, text and numbers. In years 5-6 it is refering to the use of numbers specifically binary and computers use binary to store and transmit information. Data Representation is how data is represented and structured symbolically for storage and communcation by people and digital systems. Information can be transmitted with pictures and images, symbols, text and numbers. These images all represent stop.       National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker is about a bowerbird that collects blue things. Collect some blue things and use them to sort in different ways. This lesson includes: curriculum alignment for all states definitions lesson plan four sorting methods (3 sheets and 1 blank) assessment task The lesson is available  Teachers Pay Teachers   $4 US (abou...

The Makey Makey is a board that replaces the keyboard. It also has mouse functions. If you use the "On Click" function you need to position the mouse over the area on the computer screen you would like to click on. For this project you will need: 2 10x10cm squares of cardboard. Aluminium foil to cover one of the squares. Makey Makey  2 alligator clips USB power cord Sticky tape to attach squares to the floor. They should be taped jumping width apart. Board set-up This project uses the "on click" function to activate an onscreen counter to count the number of jumps. Attach one alligator clip to the on click circle. Attach one alligator clip to the earth. See the steps below to set up the switch. Extension If you need to make the alligator clip longer you can join the clips.  Use tape over the silver connections to make them more secure so the connection is not lost. Screen set-up Open an online counter, this project used  https://coun...

Year 1 and 2 are required to " Recognise and explore digital systems (hardware and software components) for a purpose ( ACTDIK001 ) "  The Australian Computing Academy has unpacked what this means.  They need to " name digital systems (e.g. smart phone or laptop) that they interact with at home and school and recognise that they are digital systems" they also need to "play (with guidance) and use different systems to explore what they do and how they work. They match digital systems to specific purposes (e.g. using a phone to call a family member)." In NSW the above requirement is contained in the content of Outcome 11 in the Stage 1 Science and Technology Syllabus. ST1-11DI-T identifies the components of digital systems and explores how data is represented The purpose of the lessons below are to recognise and explore components of digital systems. Lesson 1 : Introduction Watch and discuss Read and discuss Hello Ruby, Journey inside a compute...

"Software doesn't have a day off"  Original Article If a teacher can be replaced by software they probably should be because teaching is about relationships. I don't believe robots can engage students like a quality teacher. Teachers are not glorified babysitters and it requires far more skill to be an effective teacher than technology companies and journalists will ever admit.  (This post is not going to discuss what makes a quality teacher. In every profession there are different levels of competency. We have all met good and bad doctors yet we don't lump all doctors in together with the bad ones. The same for teachers.) So many teachers have been reinventing the classroom, implementing technology, new teaching methods and using real world probably solving. Yet rarely do these stories make the news.  If you "google" teacher you are more like to get articles about misconduct than stories of achievement and success.  By replacing te...

A Makey Makey is a board that can be connected to a computer as a replacement keyboard. It can also be used with Scratch.mit.edu to add voices, gaming controls and interaction with the computer. MineTap created by Shalise (yr 4) in a gifted makers program. Strap the velcro to your hands and allows her friend with cerebral palsy to play Minecraft The Makey Makey requires a completed circuit to operate. It can use any conductive material to complete a circuit including: Wires People - skin to skin contact Playdough - high in salt Foil Copper tape Tap water Living things eg: live plants/flowers Trouble shooting When troubleshooting it is important to only change one thing at a time and check the circuit after each change. This will ensure you don't introduce new problems. Create by Katie (year 2) in a gifted makers program. Audio Tour of Paris each part has an interactive point. The circuit isn’t working Check the light turns on when you...

Creating paper circuits is an introductory activity to teach about the concepts of circuits and switches. It can also be used for prototyping etextiles. Paper circuits can be used at all levels by students and adults. To work with copper tape students will need to be able to manage copper tape which is like working with sticky tape.  Paper circuits can be used to add bling to dioramas, poster and models in subjects that don't usually incorporate digital systems, such as Art, History, Geography, Science. Paper circuits can be used to prototype more complex systems. There are now a range of resources that allow you to create more complex circuits that also include digital technologies such as stick on stickers and sensors. ChibiTronics  were created by Jie Qi and she show cased a range of projects that incorporate copper tape and micro-controllers. This is an example of Jie Qi's integration of paper circuits and micro controllers with Art. Original link This...

What is Binary? Binary is a base 2 numbering system. It uses 2 numbers 0 and 1 to count and is used by computers to transmit information. 1 digit is a bit. 8 digits is a byte. More information about Binary How does binary work? This video shows how Binary works. Need another explanation? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD6lcIIOeic Curriculum links There is a requirement for all Australian schools to teach Binary from year 5-8. States not using the Australian Curriculum will have modified versions of what is required but binary is mentioned in both year 5-6 and year 7-8. If you are using a document that is based on the Australian Curriculum try searching your document for the AC codes below. In primary years primary often makes sense when taught following a base 10 lesson. Discuss the structure of the base 10 system and then introduce the binary system. Below there are resources both online and offline that can be used to teach this concept. Year...