Coding: Uses of Coding and Practical Demonstration of Coding Primary 4 (Basic 4) Second Term Week 10 Information Technology – Computer Studies

CODING: USES OF CODING AND PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF CODING

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTER STUDIES)

PRIMARY 4 – SECOND TERM – WEEK 10

THEME – BASIC COMPUTER APPLICATION 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Coding: Meaning of Coding and Why You Should Learn to Code Primary 4 (Basic 4) Second Term Week 8 and Week 9 Information Technology – Computer Studies

TOPIC – CODING 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Uses of Coding

3. Installation of Scratch or Blockly Application (Teacher only)

4. Practical Demonstration of Coding

5. Weekly Assessment: As in Practical Activities

6. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. State the uses of coding.

2. Explain why coding is important in everyday life.

3. Identify simple coding tools used by children.

4. Demonstrate basic coding using a child-friendly coding platform (e.g. Scratch or Blockly).

5. Appreciate the importance of learning coding.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned the meaning of coding, computer code, and why coding is important. They also learned that coding is used to create computer programs, websites, games, and mobile applications.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by teaching pupils the uses of coding in everyday life and giving them a practical demonstration of how simple coding works using beginner-friendly coding tools such as Scratch or Blockly.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Computer or laptop

2. Projector (if available)

3. Internet connection (optional)

4. Scratch or Blockly application

5. Whiteboard and marker

6. Charts showing simple coding blocks

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Coding is used to create many of the digital tools people use every day, such as games, websites, mobile applications, and robots. Learning coding helps children understand how technology works and allows them to create simple computer projects.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the uses of coding and participate in a practical demonstration using simple coding blocks in a beginner-friendly coding environment such as Scratch or Blockly.

USES OF CODING

Coding is used in many areas of everyday life. Some of its uses include:

1. Creating computer games – Coding is used to develop fun and educational games.

2. Building websites – Websites are created using coding.

3. Developing mobile applications (Apps) – Coding is used to create apps used on smartphones and tablets.

4. Designing educational software – Coding helps create learning applications for schools.

5. Programming robots – Robots are controlled using coded instructions.

6. Developing computer operating systems – Operating systems like Windows and Android are created through coding.

7. Creating animations – Coding is used to make cartoons and animations move.

8. Controlling smart devices – Coding helps control devices such as smart televisions, traffic lights, and smart home appliances.

HOW TO INSTALL SCRATCH OR BLOCKLY (FOR TEACHER OR COMPUTER INSTRUCTOR ONLY)

Option 1: Installing Scratch (Recommended)

Method A: Scratch Desktop (Offline)

1. Connect the computer to the internet.

2. Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).

3. Visit the official Scratch website: https://scratch.mit.edu/download⁠

4. Select the version that matches your computer’s operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

5. Download the Scratch Desktop installer.

6. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.

7. Click Install.

8. When installation is complete, click Finish.

9. Open Scratch Desktop from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcut.

Method B: Scratch Online

1. Open a web browser.

2. Visit https://scratch.mit.edu⁠

3. Click Create.

4. Wait for the Scratch editor to load.

5. Begin coding without installing any software.

Option 2: Using Blockly

1. Blockly is mainly used through websites.

2. Connect the computer to the internet.

3. Open a web browser.

4. Visit a Blockly website, such as:

• https://blockly.games⁠

• https://developers.google.com/blockly⁠

5. Select an activity or coding lesson.

6. Begin dragging and dropping coding blocks.

Before the Practical Lesson

The teacher should:

1. Ensure the computers are working properly.

2. Install Scratch Desktop or confirm internet access for Scratch Online or Blockly.

3. Test the application before the lesson begins.

4. Prepare simple coding activities for pupils.

5. Demonstrate how to open the coding application before asking pupils to practise.

Note: For schools with limited or no internet access, Scratch Desktop is the better choice because it can be used offline after installation.

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF CODING

The teacher demonstrates simple coding using a beginner-friendly coding platform such as Scratch or Blockly.

Activity 1: Opening Scratch

1. Launch the Scratch application or visit the Scratch website.

2. Observe the Scratch interface.

3. Identify the coding blocks and the stage.

Activity 2: Making a Sprite Move

1. Drag the “When Green Flag Clicked” block.

2. Connect the “Move 10 Steps” block.

3. Click the green flag.

4. Observe the sprite moving on the screen.

Activity 3: Making a Sprite Speak

1. Drag the “Say Hello for 2 Seconds” block.

2. Connect it below the “When Green Flag Clicked” block.

3. Click the green flag.

4. Observe the sprite displaying a speech message.

Activity 4: Changing the Background

1. Select a different backdrop.

2. Run the program again.

3. Observe the changes on the stage.

IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL CODING

1. It helps pupils understand how coding works.

2. It improves problem-solving skills.

3. It develops logical thinking.

4. It encourages creativity.

5. It makes learning enjoyable.

6. It builds confidence in using technology.

SIMPLE CODING TOOLS FOR CHILDREN

1. Scratch

2. Blockly

3. Code.org

4. Tynker

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that coding is used in many areas of everyday life, including creating computer games, websites, mobile applications, educational software, robots, computer operating systems, animations, and smart devices.

They also learned that coding helps people solve problems, think logically, and create useful computer programs and digital solutions.

During the practical demonstration, pupils observed how to use beginner-friendly coding platforms such as Scratch or Blockly. They practised simple coding activities, including making a sprite move, displaying a message, and changing the background using coding blocks.

Finally, pupils understood that regular practice with coding tools helps them develop creativity, problem-solving skills, confidence, and a better understanding of how computers and digital technologies work.

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction – The teacher asks pupils to mention some things they use every day that may have been created with coding, such as games, websites, mobile apps, or robots. The teacher explains that coding is used to create many digital products.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention examples of digital products they know and listen to the teacher.

Step 2: Uses of Coding – The teacher explains the uses of coding, including:

• Creating computer games.

• Building websites.

• Developing mobile applications.

• Designing educational software.

• Programming robots.

• Creating computer operating systems.

• Making animations.

• Controlling smart devices.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify and explain different uses of coding.

Step 3: Demonstration of Coding Tool – The teacher opens a beginner-friendly coding platform such as Scratch or Blockly and introduces the interface, including the stage, sprite, and coding blocks.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe the coding environment and identify its main parts.

Step 4: Practical Demonstration – The teacher demonstrates how to:

• Drag the “When Green Flag Clicked” block.

• Add the “Move 10 Steps” block.

• Add the “Say Hello” block.

• Click the green flag to run the program.

The teacher explains how each coding block gives instructions to the computer.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils follow the demonstration and observe the sprite carrying out the instructions.

Step 5: Guided Practice – The teacher guides pupils to create a simple coding project by making the sprite move and display a short message.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils practise arranging coding blocks correctly with the teacher’s guidance.

Step 6: Group Activity – The teacher divides the class into four groups and assigns the following activities:

• Group 1: List and explain five uses of coding.

• Group 2: Demonstrate how to make a sprite move using Scratch or Blockly.

• Group 3: Demonstrate how to make a sprite display a simple message.

• Group 4: Explain the importance of learning coding and present a simple coding activity to the class.

Each group presents its work before the class.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils discuss, complete the assigned tasks, and present their work.

Step 7: Lesson Summary – The teacher reviews the uses of coding and the practical steps involved in creating a simple coding project.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer oral questions and summarise the lesson.

Step 8: Evaluation – The teacher asks oral and written questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the uses of coding and their ability to perform simple coding activities.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the evaluation questions and participate actively in the practical coding demonstration.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Data Processing: Meaning, Types and Uses of Data Processing Primary 4 (Basic 4) Third Term Week 2 Information Technology – Computer Studies

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What is coding?

2. Mention six uses of coding.

3. State five importance of learning coding.

4. Mention four coding tools for children.

5. List five digital products that can be created through coding.

6. During the practical demonstration, which coding tool was used?

7. State the steps involved in making a sprite move in Scratch or Blockly.

8. Explain what happens when the “When Green Flag Clicked” block is used.

9. Why is practical coding important to learners?

10. Demonstrate a simple coding activity by arranging coding blocks to make a sprite move and display a short message using Scratch or Blockly.