Testing, Debugging, and Milestones

In this lesson, you will log key milestones from your project using a timeline table, document comprehensive testing of your embedded system and model with results, identify and resolve at least one encountered problem, and detail your Python model or embedded algorithm. Finally, compile these into an 800-word Create section to meet the brief's requirements.

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

Warning: Your screen size is quite small for viewing this. Rotate your device into landscape mode if you can.

1 Objectives
2 What the Brief Requires for the Create Section
3 Key Milestones You Must Describe
4 Testing Throughout Development
5 Explain One Problem and How You Overcame It
6 Describe Your Model or Embedded Algorithm in Detail
7 Writing the Full Create Section
8 Checklist Before Next Lesson

1 - Objectives

By the end you will have:

Logged all your key development milestones so far
Carried out and documented full testing of your embedded system and model
Identified, explained, and solved at least one real problem you encountered
Detailed either your Python model or embedded algorithm (depending on what you built)
A complete Create section (approximately 800 words, worth 20 marks)

2 - What the Brief Requires for the Create Section

From page 9 of the official brief:

“This section should include a description of the key milestones of the development process. You should describe the testing that took place throughout the development process. You should explain one of the problems that you encountered during the implementation and describe how you overcame the problem. You should describe, in detail, the model you have programmed as part of your coursework project. If you do not have a model, you should explain, in detail, the algorithm you designed for your embedded system.”

These four elements are exactly how the 20 marks are awarded in this section.

3 - Key Milestones You Must Describe

Create a timeline of 5–8 key milestones from your project so far. Use this table like this:

Date/Week	Milestone	What happened
Week 1	Theme chosen	Selected wildfire risk after brainstorming
Week 2	Research completed	Gathered data on wildfire factors from reliable sources
Week 3	Design finalised
Week 4	Embedded hardware wired
Week 5	Basic code working
Week 6	Model coded
Today	Full testing done

4 - Testing Throughout Development

Document your tests in this format (add at least 5 rows):

Test #	What tested	Expected result
1	Soil moisture sensor reading	0–100 % scale
2	Temperature input in high conditions
3	Output trigger (e.g., buzzer on high risk)
4	Data storage over 10 minutes
5	What-if scenario 1 in model

For failed tests, explain fixes in your narrative explanation. Run any new tests and fix issues.

5 - Explain One Problem and How You Overcame It

Choose a real issue you faced (e.g., inaccurate sensor readings, code loop crashing, data not loading in model). Use this template:

During implementation, I encountered a problem where [describe the problem in 2–3 sentences].

To solve it, I [steps you took, e.g., researched online, changed code, recalibrated hardware].

After this fix, the system [how it improved].

Aim for 150–200 words here.

Unlock the Full Learning Experience

Get ready to embark on an incredible learning journey! Get access to this lesson and hundreds more in our Digital Skills Curriculum.

Get started

Copyright Notice
This lesson is copyright of DigitalSkills.org 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.

Your Answer or Description of Your Work

Project URL This can be a link to your project (e.g. a Scratch, Microbit, Arcade or CodePen URL link).

Upload File

You must be logged into Scratch to share your project, otherwise the link will not work.

To get the URL link of your Scratch project:

Make sure you're logged into Scratch.
Click on the Share button in the project editor.
Click on the Copy Link button.
Click on the Copy Link link. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your Microbit project:

Click on the button in the project editor.
Click on the Publish Project button.
Click on the Copy button. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your Arcade project:

Click on the button in the project editor.
Click on the Publish Project button.
Click on the Copy button. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your CodePen project:

Make sure you're logged into CodePen.
Open your project in the editor.
Click on the Save button at the top of the editor.
Copy the link from the address bar in your web browser (e.g. https://codepen.io/Jane-Smith/pen/gOVXxBQ)

Testing, Debugging, and Milestones