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Year 7

Developing a physical computing project

I can build and improve a physical computing project based on my plan and feedback.

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New
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Year 7

Developing a physical computing project

I can build and improve a physical computing project based on my plan and feedback.

Download all resources
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Share activities with pupils
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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Build a physical computing device based on a design plan.
  2. Improve a project by incorporating feedback and making changes.

Keywords

  • Audience - the intended users of the physical computing project

  • Prototype - an early model of a program or digital system

Common misconception

Building a physical computing project is just about putting the parts together. The code is not that important.

The code tells the hardware what to do and how to interact with the world, without the code it wouldn't move or do anything interesting!


To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Developing a physical computing project, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ask students to experiment with modifying the code and observing how it changes the behavior of their project. This helps them understand the connection between the code and the physical actions of the device.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Access to a device that connects to the internet to use the micro:bit MakeCode website. It would be beneficial for pupils to have access to micro:bits, USB cable, wires an LED and craft material.

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the small computer used in many physical computing projects?
Correct Answer: micro:bit
Q2.
What do you call the device that detects temperature, motion or light in a project?
Correct Answer: sensor, sensors
Q3.
Which part of the micro:bit can detect light levels?
Correct answer: the LED display
the accelerometer
the buttons
the speaker
Q4.
What is the first step when starting a project?
Build a prototype.
Write a report about the project.
Correct answer: Create a plan with goals.
Gather feedback.
Q5.
Why is it important to follow a plan when building your project?
Correct answer: A plan helps you know what steps to take and what materials to use.
A plan makes the prototype more colourful.
A plan guarantees the project will work without feedback.
A plan makes the prototype smaller.
Q6.
What should you do if you receive feedback about your project that suggests changes?
Ignore the feedback if you think the project is fine.
Correct answer: Use the feedback to make improvements or adjustments.
Rush to finish the project without considering the feedback.
Start a new project instead.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What do you call a project’s first version that helps test the project’s ideas?
Correct Answer: prototype
Q2.
What does a prototype allow you to do in a project?
Display the final version of the project.
Correct answer: Test and improve the design.
Write the program for the micro:bit.
Share the project with others.
Q3.
Match each step with its correct description.
Correct Answer:Planning,organise and define goals, resources and design details
tick

organise and define goals, resources and design details

Correct Answer:Building the prototype,develop a rough version of your project to test ideas
tick

develop a rough version of your project to test ideas

Correct Answer:Testing and self-reflection,check how the prototype works and consider possible improvements
tick

check how the prototype works and consider possible improvements

Correct Answer:Refining the prototype,make improvements and adjustments
tick

make improvements and adjustments

Q4.
Why is it important to build a prototype before completing the final project?
to make the project look more complex
Correct answer: to identify and fix any design issues early
to showcase your work to the audience
to make sure the project uses a lot of materials
Q5.
What is an important feature of a good prototype?
Correct answer: It is functional and demonstrates key concepts.
It looks exactly like the final project.
It uses the most materials.
It is the smallest possible design.
Q6.
Put the steps for building and improving a physical computing project in the correct order.
1 - Create a plan for the project, including goals and resources.
2 - Build the prototype according to your plan.
3 - Test the prototype to check its functionality.
4 - Reflect on your project.
5 - Refine the prototype based on self-reflection and testing.