Year 4 – Data and information – Data logging Unit Overview
Year 4 – Data logging
Unit introduction
In this unit, learners will consider how and why data is collected over time. Learners 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.
Learners 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. Learners will spend time using a computer to review and analyse data. Towards the end of the unit,
learners will pose questions and then use data loggers to automatically collect the data needed to answer those questions.
This unit is designed around the use of a TTS data logger. 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 Arduino 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 Learners will consider what data can be collected and how it is To explain that data gathered
questions collected. They will think about data being collected over time. over time can be used to answer
Learners will also think about questions that can and can’t be questions
answered using available data, and reflect on the importance of ● I can choose a data set to
collecting the right data to answer questions. answer a given question
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● I can suggest questions that
can be answered using a
given data set
● I can identify data that can
be gathered over time
2 Data collection Learners will build on the idea of collecting data over time, and be To use a digital device to collect
introduced to the idea of collecting data automatically using data automatically
computers such as data loggers. They will also be introduced to ● I can explain what data can
the concept that computers can capture data from the physical be collected using sensors
world using input devices called ‘sensors’. Learners will establish ● I can use data from a
that sensors can be connected to data loggers, which can sensor to answer a given
automatically collect data while not attached to a computer. question
● I can identify that data from
sensors can be recorded
3 Logging Learners will explore how data loggers work. They will record To explain that a data logger
data at set moments in time and draw parallels with the data collects ‘data points’ from sensors
points that a data logger captures at regular intervals. Learners over time
will use data loggers away from a computer, then they will ● I can recognise that a data
connect the loggers to a computer and download the data. logger collects data at
given points
● I can identify the intervals
used to collect data
● I can talk about the data
that I have captured
4 Analysing data Learners will open an existing data file and use software to find To recognise how a computer can
out key information. They will analyse a data file which is a five- help us analyse data
hour log of hot water cooling to room temperature. ● I can view data at different
levels of detail
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● I can sort data to find
information
● I can explain that there are
different ways to view data
5 Data for answers Learners will think about questions that can be answered using To identify the data needed to
collected data. They will choose a question to focus on and then answer questions
plan the data logging process that they need to complete. After ● I can propose a question
learners have completed their plan, they will set up the data that can be answered using
loggers to check that their plan will work. This setting up is logged data
designed to ensure that the data collection will work, and that ● I can plan how to collect
learners will have data to use in the next lesson. data using a data logger
● I can use a data logger to
collect data
6 Answering my Learners will access and review the data that they have collected To use data from sensors to
question using a data logger. They will then use the data collected to answer questions
answer the question that they selected in the previous lesson. ● I can interpret data that has
Learners will also 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 learners’ knowledge and understanding of data and how it can be collected over time to answer
questions. Specifically, it builds on the concept of answering questions with data which is first introduced in the KS1 data and
information units. The unit also introduces the idea of automatic data collection. Learners are also introduced to data in
tables and graphs, knowledge they will build on in the Year 5 unit (flat file databases) and the Year 6 unit (spreadsheets).
Please see the learning graph for this unit for more information about progression.
Curriculum links
National curriculum links
Computing – Key stage 2
● Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
● 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.
Assessment
Formative assessment opportunities are provided throughout each of the lesson plan documents. For summative assessment,
please see the assessment rubric document for this unit.
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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.
Enhance your subject knowledge to teach this unit through the following training opportunities:
Online training courses
If you are a teacher in England:
● Raspberry Pi Foundation online training courses (filter by online courses)
● Get Started Teaching Computing in Primary Schools: Preparing to teach 5 - 11 year olds
● Teaching Data and Information to 5- to 11-year-olds
If you are not a teacher in England:
● Raspberry Pi Foundation online training courses
● Get Started Teaching Computing in Primary Schools: Preparing to teach 5 - 11 year olds
● Teaching Data and Information to 5- to 11-year-olds
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Face-to-face courses
● National Centre for Computing Education face-to-face training courses (filter by face-to-face or live remote)
Resources are updated regularly — the latest version is available at: ncce.io/tcc.
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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