Explore ICT-based models or simulations to help them find things out and solve problems.

In this unit pupils begin to understand that computer simulations can represent real and imaginary situations. They learn how to explore simulations, explore options and to test their predictions. They evaluate simulations by comparing them with real situations and considering their usefulness. Pupils will apply what they have learnt when using simulations throughout their work.

3d Lite (ICT Lites are concise sheets showing the objectives, key skills and techniques to be taught, without the suggested teaching activities.)

Teaching Activities l Online Resources | Software

Introduction

Computer simulations can represent real or imaginary situations. They allow users to study or try things that would be difficult or impossible to do in real life.

Simulations are particularly useful when a real-life process:

• is too dangerous,
• takes to long,
• is too quick to study,
• is too expensive to create.

Learning from Simulations

Children should use simulations to make and explore predictions and to identify patterns and relationships.

Questions to think about when using a simulation program:

• Was the simulation program realistic?
• Does the simulation represent a real life or fantasy situation?
• How realistic is it?
• Did the same things always happen - was there a pattern?
• What are the variables, can you think of any others which might make the simulation more accurate?
• Was there more than one solution to the problem?
• What were the good points/bad points?
• What did you find out?

Teaching Activities

Children explore the BBC History interactive games and the BBC Science Clips

Cross Curricular Links

Science: Plant Growth l 3E Magnets and Springs l 4F Circuits and Conductors

Teaching Resources

More Simulation Resources

The duck builder - build your duck, change its body, wing, leg and beak size before launching it off a cliff to see if it can reach its destination. Requires a free file to be downloaded.
Download Textease Worksheet
Lesson plan to go with the Duck builder simulation can be found here

Rocket Challenge In this online simulation, pupils change any of three variables in order to fire a compressed air rocket over a tree, greenhouse etc. The object of the exercise is to land the projectile onto the garden shed which is the pupils' secret HQ. This simulation is a demo activity of one of the sections included in Big Bus

Collin's Coffee from the Northumberland grid for learning
Children make choices for the settings of the coffee.

Collin's Coffee Lesson plan from Greenwich ICT

1. Rabbits - Start with this one

2. Rabbits and Hunters:
from the Greenwich grid for learning

Y3 Grow a plant simulation (needs Virtools Webplayer - automatic download)
This simulation is particularly particularly relevant to Year 3 because children already have the opportunity do the real experiment in science (unit 3b). Children can compare the simulation with the experiment. They can then use the information they gather about each of the plants to discuss where it would grow best in their house and where it would grow outside (possibly in another country). Download a recording sheet (textease file)

Balloon Car Builder is a great free downloaded simulation to get children thinking about variables in science and the effects of making changes to parts of a model balloon-powered car which they can easily make (with litre fruit juice cartons, cotton reels and dowels).

At your Command
Pilot the Lunar Rover to the target area using the cursor keys. Due to the distances involved, there is a three second delay in the Rover receiving the instructions.

Software

• Crystal Rainforest - Sherston
• Mission Control - Sherston
• Zoombinis - Broderbund (TERC)
  

Schemes of Work

ICT Scheme of work from Greenwich
A complete set of resources linked to the QCA scheme of work with lesson plans, activities, downloadable resources and more.
lgfl.net/lgfl/leas/greenwich

Newham ICT Scheme of Work
Featuring active flip chart resources and tutorial videos. Importantly every unit contains a challenge lesson which gives the children an opportunity to develop their independent ICT capability. www.itass.newham.gov.uk/curriculum/sow.aspx