ICT at key stage 3    (Year 7)

• Explain to the class the rules for the car park barrier. As a car approaches the barrier it will be detected and as soon as a ticket is taken the barrier is raised. The capacity of the car park is limited, so a count is kept of how many cars have entered. When the maximum number of spaces available have been filled, a full sign is lit up. As a car leaves the car park, the counter is reduced accordingly and the full sign (if lit) is turned off.
• Discuss with the class various input and output devices and where they may be found. As an introduction, a video that illustrates inputs and the resultant outputs could be used. This provides an opportunity for pupils to identify the main points from a video presentation.
• Revise simple cause and effect, eg press a switch and sound an alarm. Allow pupils to experiment with altering the speed of a motor.
• Demonstrate how inputs are used to affect the value in counters.

• Introduce flow diagrams and counters to the class.
• Plan with the whole group how the project will be managed. Identify success criteria.

• Ask pupils to write procedures as individual building blocks and then build a program from the procedures.
• Ask pupils to test and refine the program and consider possible extensions.

• Ask pupils to demonstrate their finished project. Ask them how they would identify successes and areas for development and how their solution can be used in the outside world.