Year 7 field trip to the University of Oldenburg’s Computing Science Learning Lab

What do blinking eyes, a 3D printer and a pocket spy camera have in common? All three played a central role at the University of Oldenburg’s Computing Science Learning Lab, where Year 7 classes 7c and 7d spent an interesting and informative morning on Friday 6 December 2019. During the visit, they gained an insight into the content and methods of the subject of Computing Science. Two weeks earlier, classes 7a and 7b had already taken part in an identical event.

Part of the morning consisted of a station-based learning activity, during which various fundamentals of the subject of Computing Science were taught. Topics covered included encryption, data transmission, 3D printing, the mobile phone as a ‘spy in your pocket’, the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks, mobile communications, artificial intelligence and the limitations of computers, with the emphasis on the pupils’ own exploration and experimentation.

The second workshop was an online game designed to help the pupils understand how the internet works. In role-play exercises, the Year 7 pupils took on the roles of client, server, provider and router, thereby simulating the processes that take place when a website is opened.

Overall, this out-of-school learning environment offered numerous insights into the subject of Computing Science. The collaboration with students and lecturers from the University of Oldenburg was particularly exciting.

Many thanks to the University of Oldenburg’s Learning Lab for the informative insights. We would also like to thank the the Association of Parents and Friends of Brake Grammar School e.V. for their financial support in organising the event.

Image and article credits: Ms Küwen