Bitcoin (₿) is cryptocurrency, a form of electronic cash. The aim of this group task is to model the process of bitcoin mining and to explain the blockchain environment. The class divides into groups, each member taking a specific role in the bitcoin process: 'puzzle maker', 'mathematical verifier', 'miner' and '...

This set of activities introduces children to cryptography techniques, showing how the use of computers can make encryption quicker and more effective. Some notable examples of the use of encryption in history are mentioned, leading to the use of calculation machines for code-making and code-breaking.

A...

This collection of resources is to support teams participating in the CyberCenturion competition.

CyberCenturion is a national cyber education initiative for 12-18 year-olds in the UK. The program is designed to excite, educate and motivate students to...

The CyberCenturion demo provides an introduction to the CyberCenturion competition and using virtual images. The...

A small resource which includes a "debugging strategy" sheet with suggestions to students as to how to proceed. It also contains a bug-ridden Scratch game. The activity requires students to identify and fix the bugs. Although this is a single worksheet activity, it can serve as an example/template for a whole host...

This set of three mini-interactive online games from Siemens explore a variety of digital industries:

• Cybersecurity
• Internet of Things
• Digital Twins

...

An unplugged activity that simulates how data travels around the internet in packets. It involves cutting up pictures into ‘packets of data’ and then sending them to other students for them to reassemble the picture.

Gary Setchell is the author of this resource.

This lengthier activity involves designing and creating a simple computer game using the free Microsoft Kodu platform. It is expected that the children will have some prior experience of Kodu, or that a basic tutorial is offered before commencing this activity. Worksheets are provided that help children through the...

Aimed at early years and lower primary this resource supports the learning of basic programming. It contains a printable pirate themed programmable robot mat on a grid. Children can program a Bee Bot to visit several sites on the pirate island and reach a treasure chest. It is designed to be printed in several A4...

This interactive online self-driving challenge from Siemens can supplement robotics education in computing. It enables pupils to programme a car to drive around a circuit without a driver, the circuits getting more complex as the challenge progresses.

Self-...

This series of three lesson activities uses Scratch to create animations that tell a story, and can link to studies in English.

A starter Scratch file partially tells the story of the Great Fire of London. Additional resources are provided allowing children to improve the animation.

Using some short...

This game from Siemens gives pupils the opportunity to design a virtual car by altering various factors such as the type of tyres, body style, engine and materials for wheels. The real-time simulation tests each design change in terms of outputs and how it performs on the road.  Once the design is finalised, the...