This learning resource is an introduction to programming with Python. Versions are included for Python 2.7 and Python 3. The fundamentals of programming are covered: • Arithmetic operations • Data types • Control flow As well as some more advanced techniciques including the use of: • Regular Expressions • Files •...

Made up of two complementary activities, these resources from the CS4FN team go deeper into theory about search algorithms.

The first activity involves the teacher leading a magic trick using some normal playing cards. In the subsequent explanation of the trick, students are asked to consider the pseudocode...

This booklet is filled with examples of how scientists are combining Computing and Biology. There is a web address and QR code next to every summary so that students can follow the link and find out more.

This unplugged activity, from the CS4FN team at Queen Mary University of London, helps learners to understand variable assignment and operations. They use the idea of variables as boxes as the basis of a group activity, developing their use of logical thinking to trace variables through programs.

The...

This resource focuses on the breadth and depth of the subject with a focus on networks and communications (with links to data and data representation) and an emphasis on understanding how this can be implemented in classrooms whilst taking into account progression through Primary education. It contains a series of...

This book is an introduction to the graphical language Snap!. Snap! is a free graphical programming language. Inspired by Scratch, it builds upon its foundations and expands its functionality.

This resource is suitable for both the novice and experienced programmer. The author, attempts to bridge the gap...

Produced by the Nuffield Foundation, these materials describe activities that challenge children to produce a design for a vehicle. It must be suitable for use as a storage and transport vehicle for some of the equipment used in a fairground. The vehicle should be eye catching, so that it attracts attention from...

This textbook takes an ‘unplugged’ approach to learning the critical concepts in computer science. It relies heavily on metaphors as a means for readers to grasp new topics and relate them to their current understanding. It also contains puzzles which aid understanding.

The book includes chapters covering...

Mobile app development is an engaging way for students to learn programming and interface design as many do, indeed, "love their smartphone".

This complete learning package teachers the origins and development of the smartphone, helping them to appreciate the amount of technology packed into their pocket. It...

This book is designed to help all those who wish to find out more about the language LOGO, a language intended to demystify computers and computer programming, and make the power of computers accessible to all.

A brief introduction to some basic commands is followed by An Outline to LOGO ...

This textbook is written to explain computing from first principles, and appeals to a broad audience beyond many computing texts. With clear and concise explanation, useful diagrams and a structure that builds on previous understanding, it is aimed at post-16 students but sections would be equally useful at all...

Designed for students who have advanced through Scratch and are ready for additional challenge, this resource explores Build Your Own Blocks (BYOB) as a tool for learning modular programming using procedures. 

After examining, briefly, the history of the computer and the Turing Test as a measure of their...

This book produced by the team behind the Magpi magazine and the Raspberry Pi contains a series of projects suitable for students of all ages. It consists of 13 chapters which start off by introducing students to Scratch on the Raspberry Pi, it then builds up the complexity of the tasks chapter on chapter. A brief...

These paired activities, from Paul Curzon of the CS4FN team, offer an interesting slant on search algorithms and their relative efficiency.

Students are asked to consider sufferers of ‘locked-in syndrome’, a condition that leaves a healthy mind inside body that is, often, completely paralysed. If the...

This resource is a detailed guide to Pygame. Pygame is an open source library that allows students to make graphical computer games and multimedia applications in the Python programming language. The book is suitable for students aged 14 – 18 years, Ideally, students should already have been taught the basics of...