Year 4 – Data logging

Fellside Community Primary School Computing Curriculum

Year 4 – Data logging
Unit introduction
In this unit, pupils will consider how and why data is collected over time. Pupils will consider the senses that humans use to experience the
environment and how computers can use special input devices called sensors to monitor the environment. Pupils will collect data as well
as access data captured over long periods of time. They will look at data points, data sets, and logging intervals. Pupils will spend time
using a computer to review and analyse data. Towards the end of the unit, pupils will pose questions and then use data loggers to
automatically collect the data needed to answer those questions.

Note: Your school may not have the same data loggers as those used in this unit, or may not have any data loggers at all. If you don’t
have access to data loggers, a lot of the activities can be completed using tablet computers and apps such as Google Science Journal.
Whichever data logging solution you have available, you should be able to address the learning objectives in the unit.

Overview of lessons

Lesson Brief overview Learning objectives

1 Answering questions This lesson will set the scene for the unit of work. Pupils will consider To explain that data gathered over
what data can be collected and how it is collected. They will think about time can be used to answer questions
data being collected over time. Pupils will also think about questions that ● I can choose a data set to
can and can’t be answered using available data, and reflect on the answer a given question
importance of collecting the right data to answer questions. Later in the

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unit, pupils will put into practice the ideas that they have thought about ● I can suggest questions that
in this lesson. can be answered using a
given data set
● I can identify data that can be
gathered over time

2 Data collection This lesson will build on the idea of collecting data over time, and To use a digital device to collect data
introduce the idea of collecting data automatically using computers. automatically
Computers can capture data from the physical world using input ● I can explain that sensors are
devices called ‘sensors’. Sensors can be connected to data loggers, input devices
which can collect data while not attached to a computer. Data collected ● I can use data from a sensor
by a data logger can be downloaded for use later. to answer a given question
● I can identify that data from
sensors can be recorded

3 Logging In this lesson, pupils will explore how data loggers work. Pupils will try To explain that a data logger collects
recording data at set moments in time and draw parallels with the data ‘data points’ from sensors over time
points that a data logger captures at regular intervals. Pupils will use ● I can identify a suitable place
data loggers independently from a computer, then they will connect the to collect data
loggers to a computer and download the data. ● I can identify the intervals
used to collect data
● I can talk about the data that I
have captured

4 Analysing data In this lesson, pupils will open an existing data file and use software to To use data collected over a long
find out key information. The data file is a five-hour log of hot water duration to find information
cooling to room temperature. ● I can import a data set

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Year 4 – Data logging

Note: The logged activity can’t be done safely in school due to the high ● I can use a computer to view
starting temperature. Later in the unit, pupils may choose to complete a data in different ways
warming experiment, starting with ice and allowing it to warm to room ● I can use a computer program
temperature. to sort data

5 Data for answers In this lesson, pupils will think about questions that can be answered To identify the data needed to
using collected data. Pupils will choose a question to focus on and then answer questions
plan the data logging process that they need to complete. After they ● I can propose a question that
have completed their plan, they will set up the data loggers to check can be answered using logged
that their plan will work. This setting up is designed to ensure that the data
data collection will work, and that pupils will have data to use in Lesson ● I can plan how to collect data
6. using a data logger
● I can use a data logger to
collect data

6 Answering my In this lesson, pupils will access and review the data that they have To use collected data to answer
question collected using a data logger. They will then use the data collected to questions
answer the question that they selected in Lesson 5. Pupils will also ● I can interpret data that has
reflect on the benefits of using a data logger. been collected using a data
logger
● I can draw conclusions from
the data that I have collected
● I can explain the benefits of
using a data logger

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Progression
This unit progresses pupils’ knowledge and understanding of data and how it can be collected over time to answer questions. The unit
also introduces the idea of automatic data collection.

Please see the learning graph for this unit for more information about progression.

Curriculum links
National curriculum links
Computing – Key stage 2
● ...work with various forms of input
● select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a
range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting
data and information

Science – Lower key stage 2/Year 4

● making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a
range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
● They should learn how to use new equipment, such as data loggers, appropriately. They should collect data from their own
observations and measurements, using notes, simple tables and standard units, and help to make decisions about how to record
and analyse this data.

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Assessment
Formative assessment
Assessment opportunities are detailed in each lesson plan. The learning objectives and success criteria are introduced in the slide deck at
the beginning of each lesson, and then reviewed at the end. Pupils are invited to assess how well they feel they have met the learning
objective using thumbs up, thumbs sideways, or thumbs down.

Summative assessment
Please see the assessment rubric document for this unit.

Subject knowledge
This unit focuses on using technology to automatically gather environmental data over time. It refers to data points and logging intervals.

A data logger is a digital device that can collect data over time and store it. Data loggers designed for education will usually have built-in
sensors for light, temperature, and sound, as well as the option to connect external sensors.

You should be aware that input devices allow data to be entered into a computer. Keyboards, mice, and microphones are all input
devices.

A sensor is a type of input designed to allow computers to capture data from the physical environment. Sensors can be connected to a
computer to capture data about temperature, light, sound, humidity, pressure, etc. A microphone can be used to record audio into a
computer, or it can be used as a sound sensor.

You should also be aware that data loggers capture data at given time intervals. The interval is a regular time period between each data
capture and can vary according to the experiment. For example, if data is being logged for a week, the interval might be every hour.

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Enhance your subject knowledge to teach this unit through the following training opportunities:

Online training courses

● Raspberry Pi Foundation online training courses
Face-to-face courses
● National Centre for Computing Education face-to-face training courses

Resources are updated regularly — please check that you are using the latest version.
This resource is licensed under the Open Government Licence, version 3. For more information on this licence, see ncce.io/ogl.

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