Countess of Lovelace

Countess of Lovelace © Crown copyright: UK Government Art Collection

Who would ever have imagined that the very first computer programmer lived 170 years ago? We take a look at Ada Lovelace, mathematician and a coding role model.

Start by displaying the image of Ada Lovelace on the whiteboard. What can they tell you about what they see? What era do they think the painting is from? What kind of person do they think she is?

After a short discussion explain to the children that it is a portrait of Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (1815–1852). It was painted in 1836 just after Ada’s marriage to William King, and was painted by a very famous Victorian artist Margaret Sarah Carpenter (see the ‘Ada Lovelace portrait teachers’ notes’ resource below).

Do you want read more and download resources?

Buy a Springboard Stories subscription for just £3.95 a month*.

Or you can subscribe to individual topics.

Or Log in if you already subscribe.

Springboard Stories primary topic

*There are discounts for Students and NQTs and all subscriptions are paid annually.

More in this category: « Discovering DNA As easy as 1, 2, 3 »

Free primary resources icon

Look for resources...

Wide Miss Whacky Top

Wide Miss Whacky Middle

Wide Miss Whacky Bottom

paid annually

  • “A really wonderful resource for teachers who still believe that there is value in stories and in handling books. Thank you!”
    “A really wonderful resource for teachers who still believe that there is value in stories and in handling books. Thank you!” Hannah Fuller Bookhappy, Durham
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18

Top 10 free resources

Welcome