Science – Computing Devices

Subtopic: Coding (for age 10, Kenya)

Coding means writing instructions that tell a computing device (like a tablet, laptop, phone or micro:bit) what to do. In Kenyan schools you may use a tablet from the Digital Literacy Programme, a school computer, or your phone. Coding helps these devices solve problems, play games, and do useful tasks.

Learning objectives

• Understand what coding is and why we use it with computing devices.
• Learn simple coding ideas: sequence, loop, condition and event.
• Try a small coding activity you can do in Scratch or with a micro:bit.

Computing devices you might know 🖥️ 💻 📱

What is coding? (simple)

Think of coding like telling a friend how to make tea. You give step-by-step instructions. A computer needs very clear steps too. Those steps written in a language the computer understands is called code.

Basic coding ideas

• Sequence – steps in order. (Do A, then B, then C.)
• Loop – repeat actions. (Do this 4 times.)
• Condition – do something only if a true condition happens. (If it rains, use an umbrella.)
• Event – start when something happens. (When the green flag is clicked.)

Example: Make a sprite dance (Scratch style)

Below are simple blocks like in Scratch. You can try these on a computer or tablet:

Code-like text example (pseudocode)

Small classroom activity (10–15 minutes)

1. Pick a computing device (tablet, laptop or micro:bit).
2. Think of a short action for a character (sprite) — e.g., jump, wave, spin.
3. Write the steps in order on paper (sequence).
4. Turn the steps into simple code blocks (like the Scratch example).
5. Run the code. If it does not work, check each step and try again (debugging).

Debugging tips

• Read your steps: is one instruction missing? (Sequence)
• Run one block at a time to find the problem.
• Ask a classmate or teacher for help — two minds are better!

Quick quiz (try these)

1. What is coding in one sentence?
2. Give an example of a loop (write a short sentence).
3. What device in your school can you use to learn coding?

Glossary (simple)

• Algorithm – a list of steps to solve a problem.
• Code – the instructions we write for a device.
• Bug – a mistake in the code.
• Debug – find and fix bugs.
• Sprite – a character you control in Scratch.

Have fun coding! Try small steps, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — that is how you learn.