Computer Modelling and Programming - Week 5

Buenos Dias amigos! 

This weeks session focused on the use of computer modelling and programming in the classroom. Computer modelling allows children to explore the questions such as  'what if?' and allows them to trial and plan things such as designs and experiments using computer software before before committing to anything in real life.

Computer Modelling  

Computer modelling is a great skill for children to develop as in today's modern society, computer modelling is used in most professions. From architects planning buildings, the building of aircraft (and spacecrafts!) to the computer trialling of new medicines, computer modelling plays an important role in a modern society. For this reason, it is important for children can get a head start and that is why computer modelling skills can be developed as early the as foundation stage.

There are many programs available that children can use from a very early age in order to improve their modelling skills. These include My Modelling Toolkit and 2simple, both of which contain many activities for children to design and create a variety of items/scenes.


My Modelling Toolkit contains games that include designing a space monster, dressing a baby and creating your own bedroom. These games provide an endless opportuniy for cross curricular links as well as improving children's ICT skills.

For example, think about a child who has just created this monster (<----). A child could go on to make a model of it in D.T, paint a picture of it in Art or even write a creative piece about it in Literacy. The possibilities are endless!

2simple is a similar idea. Found on the purplemash website, 2simple software includes programs such as 2design and 2simulate. These allow children to once again create a variety of items virtually before committing to creating the real life object. Such items include: Nets of cubes, houses or vehicles. Once again, the opportunities for cross curricular links to mathematics or design technology are huge. This activities are also suitable for any ability group; from Key Stage 1, where chan can focus on creating a simple objects to high ability Key Stage 2 children, who can experiment with creating their own models and nets.

As well as 2simple and My Modelling Toolkit, there are hundred of other websites and a huge variety of software out there waiting to be used! I really recommend checking some websites such as the kent trust and Poisson Rouge as these contain a multitude of games and modelling programs that can provide great opportunities for children to not only master their ICT skills but to improve hollistically across other subject areas.

Computer Programming 

The second half of the session was devoted to looking at computer programming possibilities. While we have already looked at some programmable hardware such as the Beebots and Pippins mentioned in previous blogs. Programming software also offers a large range of benefits to children.


Once again, there is a range of software available that is suitable for all age ranges. 2simple once again provide a great starting point with the program 2go! This is a simple program that allows children to control simple objects using basic instructions

This kind of software gives a child a basic introduction to the concept of programming, especially allowing them to realise that most electrical equipment in modern society works using programming and we only push the button to start it! 




Microsoft Logo is another great program for children to begin designing more complex objects using detailed programming. Children can use simple commands such as "forward 10" to draw and create patterns. By helping to build upon the procedure technique developed using simple programming software and hardware, logo can really help build skills such as spatial awareness and logical thinking.

 Scratch is a another great piece of software that enables children to improve their programming abilities. Scratch allows children to create interactive story boards using avatars, movement and sounds. This is a great program as it can be used across all areas of the curriculum, especially literacy. Once complete the story boards can be shared online for others to watch which can really encourage the children to work hard on it! For more information on Scratch check out this cool video introduction:

Hope you enjoy using the extremely cool tool that is computer programming! It's really worth checking out but that's all for now folks! Stay safe!