This half term in Computing, Lichtenstein became real engineers and programmers! We explored physical computing using the Crumble controller to design and build our own working fairground carousels. The children learned that code doesn’t just stay on a screen; it can control real objects in the real world.
We began by learning how to control different outputs:
• Motors to make our rides spin
• Sparkle LEDs to create colourful fairground lights
We then wrote programs using loops and wait commands so that the rides would run automatically, just like a real attraction. We discovered very quickly that computers follow instructions exactly, even mistakes!
Not everything worked the first time… and that was the point! The children practised debugging by:
• Checking wiring
• Testing one part at a time
• Changing code step by step
• Persevering when things went wrong
They showed fantastic resilience and quickly realised that errors help us improve our programs.
Ariana was successful in programming her crumble device.
In computing we built a carousel. We had to make the motor spin and the sparkles flash like a real fairground ride.
Abdur: My biggest challenge was the wiring because my sparkle wouldn’t turn on. I checked the code first but then realised the crocodile clips were in the wrong place. I learned what a loop does. It repeats forever so you don’t have to write the instructions lots of times. I think I was a good problem solver this project.
Riden: I enjoyed computing because we were real engineers. We designed a carousel and programmed it. First we tested each part separately. After that we combined the motor and lights together. When I tested it the lights worked but the motor didn’t. I debugged it by checking step by step. Now I know programming needs patience and careful thinking. I felt proud when it finally worked because it looked like a real ride.
Everyone was successful in creating their merry-go-round carousel inspired rides and we are very proud of their collaboration as a group and their resilience and imagination throughout this whole project. Well done, Lichtenstein Class.
Group 4: We were inspired by the turtle swing ride in Adventure Island, Southend. We wanted to make that design for our merry-go-round ride. Our group worked together to build a strong and sturdy base before adding the little details such as the turtle at the top and the leaves.
Group 1: Meet the Squad Funfair Ride!
Group 2: Space themed ride
We created a space inspired ride. We put a rocket at the top and used colour we thought link to space for the swing chairs like purple and blue. Ahsan: I also made a star and coloured it with different colour to represent the galaxy.
