Lesson Plan: Computing Science - Kodu Game Lab

Topic: Fundamental Information Processes and Problem Solving

Desired Outcome: I can describe different fundamental information processes and how they communicate and can identify their use in solving different problems.

Level: Third Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Duration: 60 minutes

Resources: - Computers with Kodu Game Lab software installed - Projector or interactive whiteboard - Handouts with problem-solving scenarios

Introduction (5 minutes): 1. Greet the students and briefly explain the topic of the lesson: fundamental information processes and problem-solving using Kodu Game Lab. 2. Discuss the importance of understanding how computers process information and solve problems in various fields. 3. Share the desired outcome with the students: to be able to describe different fundamental information processes, their communication, and their use in solving problems.

Main Activities:

Activity 1: Understanding Fundamental Information Processes (15 minutes) 1. Introduce the concept of fundamental information processes, such as input, processing, storage, and output. 2. Use visual aids or diagrams to explain each process and its role in computing. 3. Discuss examples of each process in everyday life and in computing, e.g., input devices (keyboard, mouse), processing (CPU), storage (hard drive), and output devices (monitor, printer). 4. Engage the students in a class discussion to ensure their understanding of the processes.

Activity 2: Introduction to Kodu Game Lab (10 minutes) 1. Explain that Kodu Game Lab is a visual programming language that allows us to create our own games and simulations. 2. Show a brief demonstration of a simple game created using Kodu Game Lab. 3. Discuss the importance of problem-solving skills in game development and how Kodu Game Lab can be used to solve problems creatively.

Activity 3: Problem-Solving Scenarios (25 minutes) 1. Divide the students into small groups. 2. Distribute handouts with problem-solving scenarios related to game development using Kodu Game Lab. 3. Instruct each group to read and discuss the scenario, identify the fundamental information processes involved, and brainstorm possible solutions. 4. Allow the groups to use Kodu Game Lab to create a prototype of their solution. 5. Encourage creativity and collaboration within the groups. 6. After the allocated time, ask each group to present their scenario, the processes involved, and their solution to the class. 7. Facilitate a class discussion to compare and evaluate the different solutions.

Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Recap the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the understanding of fundamental information processes and their use in problem-solving. 2. Highlight the importance of creativity and collaboration in game development using Kodu Game Lab. 3. Encourage the students to explore Kodu Game Lab further and apply their problem-solving skills in creating their own games.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and group activities. - Evaluate the group presentations and their ability to identify fundamental information processes and propose solutions using Kodu Game Lab. - Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Extension Activities: - Assign individual or group projects where students can create more complex games using Kodu Game Lab. - Explore other programming languages or software tools for game development. - Research and discuss the impact of computing science in various industries and problem-solving scenarios.