Getting started with Kodu
National Curriculum Links - Computing KS2
The content of this plan cover the following National Curriculum strands:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
Why this? What does it build on?
This unit builds on the computer science units with a coding focus from Key Stage 1: Action algorithms and Programming direction (Year 1) and Programming with Scratch Jr and Programming with Logo (Year 2).
It introduces the coding language of Kodu Game Lab and covers concepts such as sequence, selection and working with variables.
What comes next?
The learning in this unit is built upon in our Kodu - An independent project unit of work, which, as the name suggests, aims to open to all the possibilities of Kodu game lab to the students so they can plan, design, test and code their own game, while making use of some of the more advanced features of the software.
These other Key Stage 2 units provide the opportunity to broaden their experience of using other programming languages, and the knowledge and understanding of programming concepts required at Key Stage 2: Animation with Scratch, Programming Scratch maze games, Building retro games - pick a project.
Getting started with the BBC micro:bit, LEGO robotics and Getting started with Crumble also provide opportunities to program and control physical systems.
View our full curriculum map
Take a look at our full curriculum map to see how units across all year groups, from Year 1 to Year 6 link.
Unit Resources
Key computing vocabulary for this unit
Algorithm – an unambiguous procedure or precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. A set of instructions for achieving a goal or solving a problem.
Block – a ‘chunk’ of programming or a particular graphic block or piece found in a graphical programming language such as Scratch or Kodu.
Command – a step or line of programming.
Debug – to detect and correct the errors in a computer program.
Decomposition - Breaking a problem down into smaller parts (a computational thinking concept)
Execute – to follow a series of instructions. The computer or robot follows the instructions in order to complete the program.
Input – data provided to a computer system, such as via a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera or physical sensors. Information which is received by the computer from a keyboard, mouse or sensor e.g. pressing the left mouse button or space bar creates an input.
Logical reasoning – a systematic approach to solving problems or deducing information using a set of universally applicable and totally reliable rules.
Output – the information produced by a computer system for its user, typically on a screen, through speakers or on a printer, but possibly though the control of motors in physical systems. Also an action performed by the computer e.g. switching on a light, moving a turtle or sprite across the screen.
Program – A sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task on the computer
Selection – ‘when things happen’ - A programming construct in which the instructions that are executed are determined by whether a particular condition is met.
Sequence – to place programming instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.
Sprite – A graphical object that can be controlled by programming.
Variables – a way in which computer programs can store, retrieve or change simple data, such as a score, the time left, or the user’s name.
Related units
Animation with Scratch
About this unit: Combine programming with animation as you control the movements and actions of your sprites and backgrounds with…
Building Retro Games: Pick a project
About this unit Choose from 3 classic video game projects with this fantastic coding unit. Analyse the original games, build…
Kodu – An independent project
About this unit: Give your class the opportunity to unleash their full creative and coding potential with this independent Kodu…
Kodu Sports
About this unit: Three exciting projects to extend previous use of Kodu and give students an opportunity to create 3D…
LEGO Robotics
About this unit Introduce students to robotics with the awesome LEGO Robots! Control their movement with precise calculations and coding,…
Lego WeDo – Mechanisms and Machines
About this unit: Combine computing with design and technology as you learn about a range of mechanisms and the motion…
Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi
About this unit: Build circuits and control LEDs with code. Learn how screens work, what binary code is and how…
Programming Scratch Maze Games
About this unit: Teach algorithms, repetition, conditions and variables, while introducing students to Scratch’s block-based coding language. Build adventure maze…
Programming with Logo
About this unit: Introduce the written programming language of Logo. Students program their on-screen robot to move and create drawings…
Programming with Scratch Jr
About this unit: Introduce students to this great block-based programming language to create animations and games perfect for KS1. Write…