Basic 8 · Computing · Term Project
Term Project in Computing
In this topic you will apply the term's learning through a digital project that uses computing concepts, ICT tools and safe technology practices, and present and evaluate your project.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Plan a digital project using computing concepts and tools
- Produce a document with tables and hyperlinks safely
- Present and evaluate the finished project
What you already know
- All topics covered in Computing this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction to Computing
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
The term project brings together your knowledge and skills. You will produce a useful digital document for your school or community.
1. Project Options
| Option | Content |
|---|---|
| online safety guide | tips on scams, cyberbullying and privacy, with a table of dos and don'ts and links to the Cyber Security Authority |
| accessibility guide | a table of special needs and assistive technologies, with links to free tools such as NVDA |
| storage and backup guide | a table comparing storage devices, capacities and costs, with backup advice |
| healthy computing poster | a table of health issues, causes and prevention, with links to posture guides |
| class directory | a table of clubs, meeting times and links to useful learning sites |
2. Planning
- Choose a project and identify its audience.
- Research accurate information from reliable sources.
- Plan the layout: title, introduction, table and links.
- Create a folder and name your file clearly.
- Plan your time and save your work regularly.
3. Producing the Document
In Word, type a clear title and a short introduction. Insert a table with a header row and at least four rows of content. Merge cells for a table title, add shading to the header and apply borders. Insert at least two hyperlinks with meaningful link text. If the table contains numbers, add a total with a formula. Check spelling and test every link.
4. Working Safely
Practise what you have learned: sit with good posture, take breaks, follow the 20-20-20 rule, keep food away from computers, save regularly, back up to a flash drive and eject it safely. Use only trusted websites and credit your sources.
5. Checking Your Document
- Read the document aloud to find errors.
- Run the spelling and grammar check (F7).
- Test each hyperlink with Ctrl and click.
- Check that the table is clear and correctly formatted.
- Save the final version and back it up.
6. Using Feedback During Production
Show a draft of your document to a classmate or the teacher halfway through the project. Ask: Is the information clear? Is the table easy to read? Do the links make sense? Early feedback lets you improve the project before the final presentation.
New words
- project
- A planned piece of work.
- audience
- The people a document is made for.
- reliable source
- Accurate, trustworthy information.
- layout
- The arrangement of content on a page.
Summary
- Choose a useful project, identify the audience and research reliable information.
- Produce a Word document with a formatted table and meaningful hyperlinks.
- Work safely, save regularly and back up your project.
Class activity: Project Production
- Choose a project option and plan the layout.
- Produce the document with a table and hyperlinks.
- Save it in your project folder and back it up.
You need: Desktop computer, Keyboard, Mouse
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The people a document is made for are its…
- A. audience
- B. layout
- C. author only
- D. printer
Show answer
Answer: audienceReaders.2. Which is a meaningful link text?
- A. "Cyber Security Authority website"
- B. "click here"
- C. "link"
- D. "this"
Show answer
Answer: "Cyber Security Authority website"Descriptive.3. You should test hyperlinks before sharing a document.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueCheck links.4. The arrangement of content on a page is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: layoutDesign.5. List four features your project document should include.
Show answer
Answer: Title, introduction, formatted table, hyperlinks (or formula, correct spelling).Any four.6. Why should information in your project come from reliable sources?
Show answer
Answer: So that the guide is accurate and does not mislead readers.Accuracy.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction to Computing
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
Sharing your project lets others benefit from it. Evaluating it helps you see what you did well and what you can improve.
1. Presenting Your Project
- Open your document on the computer or projector.
- State the purpose and audience of the project.
- Show the table and explain its formatting.
- Demonstrate that the hyperlinks work.
- Explain how you worked safely and backed up your work.
2. Evaluation Criteria
| Criterion | Questions |
|---|---|
| content | Is the information accurate, useful and well organised? |
| table | Does it have a header, merged title, borders and shading? |
| hyperlinks | Are there at least two working links with meaningful text? |
| accessibility | Is the text readable, with good contrast? |
| safety and process | Was work saved, backed up and done with good posture? |
3. Peer Feedback
Classmates give one strength and one suggestion for each project, such as "The table is clear, but the links should describe where they go". Receive feedback politely and note improvements. Good feedback makes everyone's work better.
4. Sharing Beyond the Classroom
Useful projects, such as an online safety guide, can be printed and displayed on the school notice board or shared with parents through the school's communication channels, with the teacher's permission. This turns classroom learning into a service to the community.
5. Reflecting on Your Learning
After presenting, think about your learning. Which skill was hardest, and how did you overcome it? What would you do differently next time? Which topic from this term do you want to explore further, such as AI, accessibility or cybersecurity? Writing these reflections helps you grow as a confident and responsible computer user.
6. Keeping a Portfolio
Save your final project in a portfolio folder together with your best work from the term. A digital portfolio shows your growth in computing skills and can be shared with parents or used when applying for clubs, competitions or future courses.
New words
- evaluation
- Judging the quality of work.
- peer feedback
- Comments from classmates.
- criteria
- Standards used for judging.
- presentation
- Showing and explaining work to an audience.
Summary
- Present the project by explaining its purpose, table, links and safe working.
- Evaluate content, table formatting, hyperlinks, accessibility and process.
- Use peer feedback to improve, and share useful projects with the community.
Class activity: Project Showcase
- Present your project to the class.
- Evaluate two classmates' projects using the checklist.
- Write one improvement you will make.
You need: Desktop computer, Keyboard, Mouse
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Comments from classmates are…
- A. peer feedback
- B. a formula
- C. a hyperlink
- D. a backup
Show answer
Answer: peer feedbackFeedback.2. Which criterion checks that links work?
- A. hyperlinks
- B. content
- C. safety
- D. accessibility
Show answer
Answer: hyperlinksLinks.3. Good projects can be shared with the community.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueService.4. Standards used for judging work are ______.
Show answer
Answer: criteriaMeasures.5. List four things to show when presenting your project.
Show answer
Answer: Purpose, audience, the formatted table, working hyperlinks (or safe working).Any four.6. How can a computing project serve the community?
Show answer
Answer: A guide on online safety or accessibility can be shared to help parents and learners use technology safely.Community benefit.
Homework
- Write a reflection of about 150 words on what you learned from the term project.