8P5 Micro Bit

Using micro bit makecode, I created a stick figure animation because I thought it would be cool to use the micro bit as an animation software and I also thought it would be interesting to create a short stick figure scene with sound. I liked the idea of making a stick figure moving around with a limited amount of detail, and was able to create something that was somewhat recognizable. The idea of making some so called "8 bit" animation reminds me of old Nintendo games, which is part of the inspiration.

During this process, I learned how to code a micro bit. I learned the different mechanics of coding for the micro bit, and how things work with the lights, and commands. I didn't any videos because I thought it would be unnecessary considering the fact that I already learned how to code, and I just used basic knowledge, and experience to figure out how to use the micro bit code. Once I figured out the basics of micro bit coding, I was able to create pretty much anything I wanted.

The 7 standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project ties to Innovative Designer because I made a plan based on the design process, and learned how to code. I was able to use the coding to my advantage to create something creative, in this case, a stick figure animation with the micro bit. I tested my project many times before getting the perfect product, and I still think I could have made something better.

A challenge I overcame on this project was trying to be creative and or innovative with the code. I was able to do it by taking some time to just play around with the device and think of random things for my list of 25 that I might do at home for fun. I've been doing a lot of coding projects so it was hard for me to do something new and original since I was getting sick of coding, but I was still able to come up with something. I just had to refresh, and think of something that would be a fun hobby rather than a task. Another challenge I overcame was trying to get the sound to play noises on the micro bit. I asked some of my classmates if they knew and I got some information from Nick. I was able to get the sound to work, the proof is at the bottom of the page.

Given a chance to do this again, I would change my entire project. The reason why I would change it is because after I finished my project I messed around with some of the coding, and realized that I could create a game out of the coding. The micro bit has buttons so I figured that I could use some code to create a platform type game, but I didn't want to delete everything I made to try and create something else. I would also change the way I set up my code, I made it very linear, and sloppy, in my opinion. I think it would have been better if I made separate pieces of code to make taking screenshots easier, and just keep it more organized in general.

Hastings High School Career and Technical Education Program offers Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, Marketing. My project connects to the Computer Programming CTE program at Hastings High School. My project also connects to careers in Engineering Design. My project ties to these two careers because the micro bit required coding, and I had to think of something I wanted to create with it.