KS3 Computing

Germ of this book

This book started with a Hack the curriculum event on Saturday 18th April 2015, where volunteers met to start creating this book. It will need lots more help and work before it's ready for general use. Please see the Editing Guide to help and to contribute. Additional information is available at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oLIcZQxrD5kp0OydoTazezWB23kM2_Io_Un4dwHBZEo/edit#slide=id.g98d651b03_0_142

Introduction to this book

Computing is.....

Life changing

The Royal Society identified three distinct strands that make up Computing, each of which is complementary to the others: computer science (CS), information technology (IT) and digital literacy (DL). Each component is essential in preparing pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

[Diagram here of what computing is]

Information technology (IT) is concerned with how computers and telecommunications equipment work, and how they may be applied to the storage, retrieval, transmission and manipulation of data.

Digital literacy is the ability to effectively, responsibly, safely and critically navigate, evaluate and create digital artefacts using a range of digital technologies.

Computer science is the scientific and practical study of computation: it is the study of what can be computed, what computers are and how they work, and how to develop applications to solve problems. Computer science is different from ICT which is about how to use digital tools and sources of data to process and communicate information.

This book is aimed at students in Key Stage 3 but might also be useful to students of other ages. Key Stage 3 is normally students between the ages of 11 and 14 in British schools.

Table of Contents

• What is Computing
• How a computer works
  • Processors
  • Storage
  • Memory
  • Connectivity
  • Input and Output
• Operating Systems
• Binary
  • Numbers
  • Measuring the size of things
  • Binary Operations
• Data representation
  • Text
  • Images
  • Sounds
• Logic
  • Boolean
  • AND
  • OR
  • NOT
  • Useful Links & Activities
• Applications - Making Computing Matter To People
  • Toolbox
    • Word processors
    • Spreadsheets
    • Presentation
    • Appsmashing
  • Project Tasks
  • Debug a Project
  • Share a Project
  • Games
• Computational Thinking
• Algorithms
  • De-Composition - A First Step Towards Algorithm Design
  • Data Abstraction - A Component of Algorithm Design
  • Algorithms Using Sequencing
• Programming
  • Sequence
  • Selection
  • Iteration
  • Variables
  • Projects Ideas
• Safety
• Ethics
• Glossary
• Role Models

Assessment table

Assessment is based on the Assessing Attainment in Computing document, which is based on the Computing Programme of Study

	CS	IT	DL
6.1	Use computational abstractions	Undertake creative projects with challenging goals	Understand a range of ways to use technology respectfully
6.2	Model state of real world problems	Use multiple applications	Recognise inappropriate content
6.3	Use a programming language to solve computational problems	[Work with] applications across a range of devices	Recognise inappropriate contact
6.4	Understand simple Boolean logic	Collect data	Recognise inappropriate conduct
6.5	Understand how numbers can be represented in binary		Know how to report concerns
6.6	Understand the hardware components that make up computer systems		Reuse digital artefacts for a given audience
6.7	Understand how text can be represented digitally in the form of binary digits		Attend to usability of digital artefacts
6.8	Understand how pictures can be represented digitally in the form of binary digits		Understand a range of ways to use technology safely

Note for Teachers

This textbook is designed to accompany the teaching of the Computing Key Stage 3 programme of study, following the 2014 curriculum changes.