Computing
Embedded Files
Year 10 & 11
Year 10 & 11
Read
Year 10
Read the article on the life and achievements of Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician who played a crucial role at NASA during the Space Race. Pay close attention to how she overcame racial and gender barriers to contribute essential calculations that helped launch astronauts safely into orbit and back. Take notes on her early life, education, and her impact on mathematics, science, and social equality. Reflect on how her work influenced the future of space exploration and how her legacy continues to inspire young people in STEM today, especially women and underrepresented groups in science and technology.
Life Story: Katherine Johnson (1918–2020)
Year 11
Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions by Brian Christian and Thomas L. Griffiths
A fascinating exploration of how computer algorithms can be applied to our everyday lives.
Listen
Year 10
Listen to this interview or podcast episode featuring Katherine Johnson, where she discusses her experiences working at NASA. Focus on her personal reflections, the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white, male field, and her thoughts on being labelled a "human computer." As you listen, note down key quotes or moments that stand out to you. Afterwards, write a short summary of what you learned from her story and how her resilience, intelligence, and humility helped her break barriers in the world of space science and inspire change in the STEM community.
What Matters - Katherine Johnson: NASA Pioneer and "Computer"
Year 11
The Story of Computing
This Guardian blog talks about the Computing universe and the evolution of computers.
Or
BBC Click: Watch this weekly BBC television programme covering news and recent developments in the world of consumer technology and innovations.
A comprehensive guide to all the latest gadgets, websites, games and computer industry news.
Watch
Year 10
Watch the film Hidden Figures, which dramatizes the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—three African-American women whose behind-the-scenes work at NASA was vital to the success of America’s space missions. Focus on how the film portrays the social and political challenges of the 1960s, including segregation and gender inequality, alongside the scientific achievements. Take note of the real-world problems they solved, such as orbital calculations and programming. After watching, reflect on how the film celebrates their intelligence, determination, and the power of teamwork. Consider writing a short film review highlighting its educational value.
Year 11
BBC Click: Watch this weekly BBC television programme covering news and recent developments in the world of consumer technology and innovations.
A comprehensive guide to all the latest gadgets, websites, games and computer industry news.
Research
Year 10
Research Investigate the real history of NASA’s “human computers”—a group of mathematically gifted women, many of whom were African American, hired to perform complex calculations by hand before the age of digital computing. Explore how their contributions advanced flight research, launched astronauts into space, and shaped the modern space program. Look into individual stories, including those of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Try to answer: why were these women largely overlooked until recently? Use trusted sources like NASA's official history site or educational platforms. Present your findings as a written report, timeline, or short biography collection.
Year 11
Research Technology in Stockholm and the Tekniska (Science and Technology Museum).
Tekniska
What adventure can you go on!
The Internet of Things:
Probably the most pervasive trend is the Web of Things, where just about everything we interact with becomes a computable entity.
Research how future developments in this area may change or revolutionise our lives even further.
Visit
Year 10
Visit the Space and Time Exhibit on Floor 5 of the World Museum in Liverpool. Focus on the displays that relate to space exploration, timekeeping, and scientific instruments. As you explore, consider how people like Katherine Johnson helped make space travel possible through precise mathematical calculations. Look for exhibits on satellites, spacecraft, and navigation systems—link these back to the work of NASA's human computers. Take photos or sketch interesting displays and write reflections on what you learned.
Year 11
Bletchley Park:
Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
Plan a visit to the home of codebreaking at Bletchley Park
Creative
Year 10
Create Design a detailed and visually engaging poster celebrating the human computers at NASA. Include key figures such as Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, as well as their contributions to space travel and computer science. Your poster should include timelines, key facts, quotes, and imagery (photos, illustrations, or your own artwork). Make sure your content is accurate, well-researched, and informative, and present it in a way that inspires others to learn about these hidden heroes of science.
Year 11
Use this Codeacademy tutorial to develop your skills using HTML and CSS to build your own website.
Or
Create your very own AI Comic book or FarmBot.
AI maker
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