
Physical Computing Innovation Days
Innovation Days are exciting project-based learning experiences where students participate in teams to solve real-world challenges. We’re delighted to collaborate with the Arm School Program, where the concept was initially developed, to support members of the Physical Computing Thematic Community to run their own Innovation Days.
Physical Computing Thematic Community
The supporting resources for Innovation Days are designed around the Arm Education Project Based Learning schema, combining technology, subject knowledge, context, practice, theory and pedagogy. To learn more about this go:
https://community.arm.com/education-hub/b/rob-leeman/posts/introduction-to-project-based-learning
This schema aims to combine:
- Technology - such as physical computing devices including the micro:bit and boards from Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- Subject knowledge - such as programming contsructs and wider STEM knowledge bases
- Context - providing the 'hook' such as global goals, such as UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
- Practice - engaging in prototyping and testing
- Theory - – constructing knowledge and understanding through active problem-solving
- Pedagogy - delivering knowledge and skills through pedagogically sound approaches

There are a number of ways to organise an Innovation Day. You may want to consider:
Timing of the event. This could be:
- an off-timetable enrichment day
- an after-school enrichment activity over a series of sessions
The participants. The event could be:
- enrichment for a whole year group
- an opportunity to host teams from local schools
The support needed. The event could offer:
- o an opportunity to involve other school staff (including design and technology, science, maths), carers / parents, STEM ambassadors, or local industry representatives
- o an opportunity for digital leaders from older year groups to support and mentor younger learners
What is the format of a Physical Computing Innovation Day?
Teams of 3 or 4 learners meet at the beginning of the day. The venue could be a large school hall. Having more space and involving lots of teams makes for a brilliant buzz throughout the day – so more is more when it comes to number of participants!
Here are the main components of the innovation day: