Barefoot Computing
Resources Workshop
Nick Cook, Newcastle University
cs.outreach@newcastle.ac.uk
barefootcas.org.uk
What do we know about
algorithms?
● Talk to the person next to you, what do you
already know and understand about:
o Algorithms
● Feedback as a group
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What are algorithms?
barefootcas.org.uk/sample-resources/algorithms
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Crazy characters activity
4
5
Crazy characters activity
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The Barefoot Computing
approach
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Break the programme
of study down …
Provide a Statement Page for each CS element
• understand what algorithms are
• understand how algorithms are implemented as
programs on digital devices
• understand that programs execute by following precise
and unambiguous instructions
• …
Link to definitions of the key concepts …
• An algorithm is a precise sequence of instructions, or
set of rules, for performing a task
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Explain why a concept
is important
Why are algorithms important?
• Algorithms are a key part of computer science
• Computer scientists strive to find the most effective and
efficient algorithms to solve a problem
• In the quickest time
• Or using the least resources
• Or in the most effective way
• Algorithms use:
• Sequence
• Repetition
• Selection
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Show what it looks like
in the primary curriculum
Spelling rules
Instructions to plant a seed
• All examples of algorithms
And the resource gives
progression by key stage
• EYFS – lining up to leave the
classroom, tidying up, taking turns …
• KS1 – algorithms for daily life – getting
dressed, making breakfast – and for
programmable toys …
• KS2 – algorithms for arithmetic,
A storyboard to write a
programming
in Scratch …
story or make
a film
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Barefoot Computing activities
• Lesson Plan
• Presentation
• Resources
•
•
Worksheets
Sometimes a video
• Linked to
•
•
Programme of study
Computational thinking concepts
and approaches
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Logic
Algorithms
Tinkering
Creating
Decomposition
Debugging
Patterns
Persevering
Abstraction
Collaborating
Evaluation
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Let's look at KS2
• Pupils increase their understanding of algorithms
• Create algorithms for numeracy and grammar work.
• Pupils become more confident implementing their
algorithms as programs (programming)
• Pupils use logical reasoning to explain how algorithms
work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms.
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KS2: ‘Use logical reasoning to explain how simple
algorithms work’
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Example completed worksheet
15
Number sequence
plenary
16, 35, 73, 149 ___
Which number comes next?
Possible answers: 303, 302, 304, 301
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Logic
Algorithms
Tinkering
Creating
Decomposition
Debugging
Patterns
Persevering
Abstraction
Collaborating
Evaluation
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What is decomposition?
• Decomposition
is the process of
dividing
something into
its parts
• Creating a multilayered view
• Decomposing to
the next level of
detail.
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Why is decomposition
important?
• As we decompose something
we learn more about it
• If we decompose a problem it
becomes more manageable
• We can deal with the parts
separately
• Decomposing the task of
making breakfast
into subtasks
leads to a more
algorithmic view
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Example decomposition
activity
● Think of a daily task, such
as getting up, travelling to
work or eating lunch
● Write this task at the top of
the page.
● Beneath this try and
decompose the task into
as many steps as possible
● Keep decomposing to the
greatest level of detail you
can.
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To recap…
Barefoot …
is
is not
● CPD for the Computer
Science elements of the
new Computing curriculum
● CPD for Digital Literacy,
Information Technology or
E-Safety elements
● Explanations of Computer
Science concepts
● Short class activities that
exemplify the concepts
● a Scheme of Work
● teaching teachers basic
Computer Science
knowledge
● teaching teachers how to
teach
● an accelerator to get
started teaching Computer
Science
● the end of the journey …
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Closing discussion …
comments …
Please remember
● Complete the workshop attendance sheet
● Register with Barefoot to access resources at
barefootcas.org.uk
● Provide feedback on the workshop at
barefootcas.org.uk/workshop-feedback/
● Put 25 March 2015 in your diary for the CAS North
East and Barefoot Computing Conference at the
Great North Museum (full day of sessions for £50)
casne.ncl.ac.uk/events/2015/conference/
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