ICT at key stages 1 and 2    (Year 4)

• Show the class a selection of about 15 similar objects, such as household objects. Tell the class that you are thinking of one of the objects and that they must work out which one it is by asking 'yes/no' questions, such as, is it made of plastic? Discuss which questions work well and point out that questions about small numbers of objects are unhelpful if the answer is no. Encourage them to use questions which divide the set of objects into two.

• Show the class how to create a tree diagram of branching questions which can be used to identify each object.
• Divide the class into groups and give each group a set of eight pictures. Ask them to create a tree diagram that can identify each picture uniquely.

• Prepare a branching database of rocks. Show the children how to search the branching database to identify specimens of rock. Give pairs of children a rock specimen and ask them to use the branching database to identify it.

• Demonstrate how to create a branching database. Place various musical instruments in front of the children, and discuss their similarities and differences. Label each instrument with its name as it is discussed. Then ask the children to work in groups to create a branching database that identifies each instrument. Ask each group to test the others' databases.