F-3 Microbits

F-3 microbit cube

The microbit is a computer with Inputs, Processor and Outputs. Today, you students will use the microbit's Inputs and Outputs to create a fidget cube.

Do Now (5 minutes)

TEACHER GUIDANCE:

• • Rishworth school sent a microbit (20 miles) into space attached to a helium balloon.

  • Students were able to track temperature in space using the microbit.

  • Temperature is a sensor input on the microbit, commands for temperature can be found under sensors.

More details of the project including code, can be found here.

Mini-Lesson (5 minute Demo)

1. Explore features of the microbit. Scavenger hunt to find some inputs and outputs.

Examples of Inputs: Button A, Button B, Button A and B. Sensors: Motion (shake and tilt up, tilt down, logo up, logo down), temperature and light.

Examples of Outputs: LEDs.

Examples of Input and Outputs: The strips of metal along the bottom edge of the BBC micro are input/output pins.

Attach alligator clips to these pins to hookup the microbit to speakers or headphones or servo motors.

Communication through Radio wave and Bluetooth. Microbits can talk to each other!

2. Build fidget cube with partner: student handout

Build hardware using craft material. Use color paper and tape to build a wallet style holder or cube for microbit and it's battery pack.

3. Share fidget cube with another team. Gather feedback and ideas and iterate.

Close-Out (5 minutes)

• 1. Discuss the following questions:

     • Is the Microbit a standalone computer? (Yes, it has inputs, a processor and outputs)

     • Name some inputs and outputs? Inputs ( Buttons, tilt, shake, light and temperature, communication, pins). Outputs ( Led lights, communication, pins).

Standards CSTA

• • CSTA 2-CS-01 : Recommend improvements to the design of computing devices, based on an analysis of how users interact with the devices.