Computing

Computing with Animals

Stay safe online the animal way — and organise a pet spreadsheet.

Computers help us learn about animals, share photos of them, and even keep track of pets at the vet. They can also teach us how to stay safe online.

🛡️ Online safety — the animal way

These "animal rules" can help you remember how to stay safe online:

🐢 Be a tortoise
Go slowly before clicking on anything you're not sure about. Tortoises don't rush — and neither should you online.
🦉 Be an owl
Owls have brilliant eyesight. Look carefully at links and emails. If something looks weird, it probably is.
🦔 Be a hedgehog
Hedgehogs roll up to protect themselves. Roll up your personal information — never share your address, school name, password or photos with strangers.
🦜 Be a (safe) parrot
Only repeat things you're sure are true. Don't spread rumours or unkind messages online.
🧑 Tell a trusted adult
If something online makes you feel worried, scared or sad, tell a grown-up straight away — they won't be cross with you.

📊 Pet spreadsheets

A spreadsheet is a grid that organises information into rows and columns. Computers use them all the time. Let's make one for pets!

Pet nameTypeAgeFavourite foodLegs
BuddyDog44
✏️ Fill in the spreadsheet with 5 pets, then use it to answer: Which pet is the oldest? Which has the most legs? How many pets eat the same food? A spreadsheet makes it easy to sort and compare information.

📖 Glossary

Spreadsheet — a grid that organises information into rows and columns.
Row — a line of boxes that goes across (left to right).
Column — a line of boxes that goes down (top to bottom).
Password — a secret word or code that keeps your account safe.
Personal information — private details like your name, address or school.

✓ Check your understanding