Micro:Bits

Teacher Resources

Learn how to get the micro:bit working, program its features and create your first projects.

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world. The new micro:bit with sound adds a built-in microphone and speaker, as well as an extra touch input button and a power button. Find out more in this video:

What is a Micro Bit?

Need to Purchase More?

What you need

• A micro:bit and battery pack with 2 AAA batteries

• A computer, phone or tablet with internet access to load the Microsoft MakeCode or Python code  editors

• If you're using a computer, a USB lead to connect your micro:bit

• For building and making projects with your micro:bit, some extra items that are great to have include; headphones, crocodile clip leads and conductive materials such as aluminum foil and paper clips.
  
  The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that you can program and physically interact with. 

Micro:bit Playlists (Optional)

The following two playlists will help students build the foundational knowledge needed for the computational thinking unit. 

1. These playlists are designed to be interleaved within the daily instruction outlined in the following lessons.

2. You can also segment each activity during a station rotation using online, offline and teacher-led activities that are evident in the playlists. 

3. You can also use the activities to augment your daily instruction to reinforce specific concepts.

Computational Thinking Playlist #1 - These materials will introduce foundational computational thinking and programming skills. (2-4 Days)

Resources: 

• Guided Notes for Activity 3 - Binary Worksheet -Offline

• Quizizz Assessment - Activity 4

Computational Thinking Playlist #2 - These materials will introduce students to the Micro:bit circuit and provide choice for practice . (2-4 Days)

Resources:

1. Pseudocode Organizer for Activity #6 - Offline

2. Sample Code for Programming Choices (Will Update Shortly)

CTE Rubric for Each Playlist - Suggested

Presentation: 

• Lesson 1: Computational thinking 1 (90 Minutes)

  • Teacher notes - Students will construct a large paper airplane, the purpose of the unit to introduce computation thinking, NOT to take days building an airplane.  The airplane construction is a small part of the unit, keep it simple, but fun. (Keep the plane for day 2)

  • (Algorithmic Thinking?)

  • Unit 8 (Being Active) EL Folder (Please Make Your Own Copy)

  • Unit 8 (Computing Fundamentals) EL Folder (Please Make Your Own Copy)

  • Unit 8 (Micro:Bits) EL Folder (Please Make Your Own Copy)

Detailed Plan:

• Intro to Computational Thinking  (Please make your own copy of this folder)

• Lesson 1: Computational thinking 1

  • You will need -  presentation, large sheets of strong poster paper and normal paper, clear tape, colored marker pens, stickers (optional), tape measure (optional) 

  • The bigger the plane the better, everyone has made a 12' glider, how about a 3-foot one.  You could put students in groups of 3 or 4

Detailed Plan:

• Lesson 2: Computational thinking 2  (90 Minutes)

  • Teacher Notes - Students will add devices to their plan (not a real device, a prototype of things such as a remote or automatic moving flaps or ailerons.)  They will then write the algorithm on how it will control the airplane.  Example: Simple if statement - If the lever is pushed forward, the aileron flaps will go down.  Once again the advancements to the airplane build or its devices is not the major focus,  it should last no more than 20 minutes.

Detailed Plan:

• Lesson 2: Computational thinking 2

  • You will need: large pieces of paper and some basic crafting materials to students and explain that you would like them add devices to their paper plane. Encourage creativity in how they create and present their prototype devices and algorithm. (These will somehow read weather, be controlled, or control themselves to be able to fly better, longer, or faster.)

Explainer Video Challenge

Lesson 6 (30 Seconds about Micro:bits)