Foundation Level B

Digital systems are everywhere and take many shapes and forms. Humans create digital systems to solve problems and enhance our quality of life. A digital system can be as simple as a light sensor through to very complex robotic systems.

In Level B, we will:

  • Explore a common digital system (iPad, Tablet or PC) to take a photo and add sound.
  • Collect, sort and classify a set of data images.
  • Follow a simple set of instructions to solve a problem.

CSER Representing data

 

What is the most popular digital system? This is a tricky question. The answer really depends on the purpose and situation in which the digital system is being used. iPads are the most popular Tablet form computer. Windows PC are the most popular desktop computers and iPhones are the most popular smartphone device with Android close behind. We will explore the most common use of iPads, that is, taking photos and have some additional fun.

Teacher Directed Learning.

  1. Use classroom display technology to watch and discuss the video about common computer words (top right).
  2. Discuss the importance of privacy when taking photos of others.
  3. Discuss the dangers of uploading photos to the Internet and social media.

 

Student Assisted/Guided Learning.

  1. Watch the video (right) to learn how to use Fotobabble
    • If you are using iPads, install Fotobabble from the Apple Store
    • If you are using PCs you can use the online version at: http://www.fotobabble.com/
    • It is advisable for the teacher to create a class account
  2. Take a photo of a classroom friend.
  3. Voice record a short funny joke.
  4. Show your Fotobabble to your friend and teacher.
  5. Play Puzzle Drop (See right)

Independent Student Learning.

  1. Take 5 different photos
  2. Go to: www.photovisi.com alternatively you could use: http://photofunia.com/
  3. Make a photo collage
  4. Print or share collage

What is a data? When you and I create something or input information into a digital device it becomes data. Data is how a computer understands information. It can be represented by text, numbers, images, sound and video.

Teacher Directed Learning.

  1. Use classroom display technology to watch and discuss the video about common computer words.
  2. Discuss / Explain how the Binary code enables data to be displayed. Click the button. Data is a Binary code
  3. Using classroom display technology undertake a simple survey in the class. Represent the results as a:
    • Table with text and numbers
    • Images
    • Bar graph
  4. What questions and answers can we get from the data?

 

Student Assisted/Guided Learning.

  1. Watch the video (right) to learn different ways of showing data
  2. Collect your own data from a simple class survey. Examples:
    • Favourite fruits
    • Popular TV shows
    • Sports played
  3. Represent the data as a table

Independent Student Learning.

  1. Collect your own data from a simple class survey = free choice of survey focus.
  2. Represent the results in each of the following formats. (You could use a computer or draw it on paper).
    • Result Table | results with images | results as a bar chart.
  3. Ask two questions that can be answered by looking at your data.
  4. Present your findings to the class.

Representing Data in Different Ways

 

Play Fuzz Bugs Graphing at abcya.com

Play Data Interpreter (PC Only)

Click here

Creating Digital Solutions. One of the real benefits of data is the making of step by step instructions. Once the steps are in the correct sequence and have been tested we can use them over and over. In this way data makes it easy for more people to achieve simple tasks as well as complex tasks like sending a space shuttle to the moon.

 

Teacher Directed Learning.

Imagine an alien comes to your classroom and wants to learn how to make a paper plane.

  1. Watch the video (right)
  2. Using classroom display technology with class help, write a simple set of instructions to match the video.

Student Assisted/Guided Learning.

  1. Make your own paper plane.
  2. Decorate it with your own symbols and artwork.

Independent Student Learning.

  1. Using the Internet, find a different shaped paper plane to make?
  2. Write the step by step instructions for our alien to follow.

By the end of Level B, students explore some common digital systems for a purpose.

  • Students collect data, sort them based on given characteristics and with assistance use digital systems to display findings as images.
  • Students follow a sequence of steps and decisions needed to solve simple problems.