Introduction
Pupils should be taught to:
understand simple Boolean logic (such as AND, OR and NOT) and its use in determining which parts of a program are executed; use Boolean logic and wild-cards in search or database queries; appreciate how search engine results are selected and ranked.
A boolean search is a type of search allowing users to combine keywords with operators such as AND, NOT and OR to further produce more relevant results. For example, a Boolean search could be "hotel" AND "New York". This would limit the search results to only those documents containing the two keywords.
Self study resources
Boolean Logic in 27 seconds! Quick-fire visual presentation of the key concepts re 'AND' 'OR' etc - will be very effective for reminding students whilst working independently.
:A Primer in Boolean Logic. Nice and clear introduction to boolean logic which will be great as an 'aide memoire' during independent learning.
Boolean Searching. A more academic site which goes into great depth regarding how to get the very best results from boolean searches. Aimed at the academic community but no reason why couldn't be used with KS3.
Resources for lectures or group study
Boolean Operators: Combining Key Words. Video detailing the principles behind searching to get the results you need.
An Introduction to Logic Gates. A simple introduction to logic gates, covering transistors, Boolean Algebra, AND OR NOT NOR NAND XOR and XNOR gates and how to build a very basic computer.
BBC WebWise - 'What are 'BooleanOperators'? Nice site for introducing KS3 students to the concept of boolean searching.
Logic gates using toys - A great demonstration of logic gates, using dominoes and Lego.
Minecraft Tutorials/ Basic Logic Gates A series of tutorials about the use of Redstone Blocks that make use of Logic gates to build powered mechanical objects in the online Minecraft world.
Little Big Planet Boolean Logic Tutorials from the PlayStation Game Little Big Planet forums. See below for more detailed resources.
Guide to Little Big Planet Logic Packs This is the definitive guide to the use of Logic in the Game Little Big Planet. Logic plays a big part in building levels in the game. Because LBP is a game that lets you construct games, the game makers soon realised that many game creators did not understand logic so they made these packs together with exemplar game play for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced users.
Resources for use with pupils
Computational Fairy Tales: over 70 stories introducing computer science concepts by Jeremy Kubica, including Goldilocks and the Two Boolean Bears, The Town of Bool, The Gates of XOR and The Valley of NAND and NOR.
Logic gates and Boolean algebra on Peter Kemp's A-level Computing Wikibook.
Improving your keyword searches with boolean. How Boolean searching works in library databases and catalogs. Includes examples and resources.
Building a computer (well, full adder) out of children - unplugged, classroom activity from the BBC's Joy of Logic programme..
Simple, interactive online logic gate simulator.