Lesson Plan: Computing Science - Exploring Space

Subject: Computing Science Topic: Exploring Space Level: First Level (Primary 1-3) Curriculum: Scottish Curriculum for Excellence

Desired Outcome: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to explore and comment on processes in the world around them, specifically focusing on space, using core computational thinking concepts. They will also be able to organize information in a logical way.

Prior Knowledge: - Basic understanding of the solar system and space exploration. - Familiarity with basic computer operations (e.g., using a mouse, opening applications).

Resources: - Computer or tablet with internet access - Interactive whiteboard or projector - Space-related images, videos, and websites - Paper and pencils

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by engaging students in a discussion about space. Ask questions such as: - What do you know about space? - Have you ever wondered how astronauts explore space? - How do scientists gather information about space?

1. Show students some space-related images or videos to spark their curiosity and interest.

Main Activities (40 minutes):

Activity 1: Exploring Space Processes (15 minutes): 1. Explain to students that scientists and astronauts use computational thinking concepts to explore and understand space. 2. Introduce the core computational thinking concepts: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. 3. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific space-related process to explore (e.g., how rockets launch, how astronauts eat in space). 4. Provide each group with space-related resources (books, websites, videos) to research their assigned process. 5. In their groups, students should discuss and identify the computational thinking concepts involved in their assigned process. 6. Each group will present their findings to the class, explaining the processes they explored and the computational thinking concepts they identified.

Activity 2: Organizing Information (20 minutes): 1. Explain to students that organizing information in a logical way is an important skill in computing science. 2. Show students an example of a mind map or concept map related to space exploration. 3. Discuss with the class how the information is organized and connected in the map. 4. Provide each student with a blank sheet of paper and ask them to create their own mind map or concept map about space exploration. 5. Encourage students to include different aspects of space exploration, such as planets, astronauts, rockets, and satellites. 6. Allow students to share and discuss their mind maps with their peers, highlighting the logical connections they made.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Recap the core computational thinking concepts discussed during the lesson: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. 2. Ask students to reflect on how they used these concepts to explore space processes and organize information. 3. Discuss with the class how computational thinking concepts can be applied to other areas of their lives. 4. Provide students with additional resources (books, websites) to explore space further if they are interested.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during group discussions and presentations. - Assess students’ ability to identify computational thinking concepts in space processes. - Review students’ mind maps or concept maps to assess their ability to organize information logically.

Extension Activities: - Encourage students to create a digital presentation or poster about a specific space mission or discovery. - Explore coding activities related to space exploration using age-appropriate coding platforms or apps. - Invite a guest speaker, such as a scientist or astronomer, to talk about their work in space exploration.