In Computing we have been designing, predicting , programming, and testing our Bee-Bot mats.

This half term in Computing our focus is on programming.

Algorithms are precise instructions. We looked at the instructions, up, up , turn right and turn left. These are the only four instructions we are giving. We then explored what would happen if we gave these instructions to our floor robots (bee-bots) but try the instructions in different ways.

Members of computing club also had a go!

When using IT we need to make sure it is purposeful.

Today we used computers to show how we can make repeated printed patterns for art.

Today in computing we looked at how IT is used in the wider world. We focussed on a supermarket and talked about how the supermarket checkout has a till, barcode scanner that is part of IT. 

Toucans were very good at explaining what all the pieces of hardware were. We also pointed out that we have barcodes on books. 

Did you know that barcodes are scanned using a scanner connected to a till. The number contained in the barcode is then used to look up the item. Once the item has been matched, its price will be looked up. This information comes from another computer, to which all of the tills are connected. The price is shown on a screen and added to a list of all of the things that the customer is buying.

To help us understand this we did some role play. Some of us were barcode scanners and item finders, others were price finders. 

Today in computing we discussed how information technology has a purpose. We talked about a range of devices.

Finally we had some time to explore our educational apps on the school laptops.

Year 2 Toucans have been learning all about sequencing algorithms to make a program.

If you have a tablet at home you can download the Scratch JR app for free Click here for more info

If you have a windows laptop or PC click here to try it at home

In Computing, Toucans created their own music using Chrome music lab.

We also had some Golden Time exploring educational apps to help us with our Maths and English. Don’t forget to try them out at home!

In our computing lesson we are focusing on Media. Today we recapped how we can take portrait and landscape photos.

We then investigated further how to focus and adjust brightness. Some of us also experimented with other editing tools.

In Computing, Toucans have been learning all about digital photography. Last week they learnt how to take creative selfies using the app “mashcam”

This week they had a go taking photos on the iPads. They learnt how to hold an iPad steady and explore the difference between landscape and portrait photography

In Computing Year 2 have been learning about collecting data and presenting it appropriately. They have looked at the use of tally charts and pictograms. The children leant how they can select the program 2count in purplemash to create pictograms.

We also looked at questions we could ask. For example, How does the Pictogram show the most popular minibeast?

Don’t forget to log on through Wonde at home and try 2count at home as well!

This halfterm in computing we are learning about Data & Information. For our first lesson we looked at how data can be represented as a Tally.

In Computing we have been learning about programming. This week we designed our own floormats. We added obstacles and had to program our bee-bots to reach a designated square successfully.

In computing we have looked at sequencing instructions. Looking closely at the order. Today we predicted where would our Beebot go based on the instructions. We then tested them to see if our predictions were correct.

Extension: Program your virtual bee-bot at home!