Bryn Hafod Primary

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Microbit

Introduction - To begin, introduce the children to Micro:bit with it already programmed to rock, paper, scissors. Then explain how you programmed the micro:bit to do it and how they will be having the chance to programme it doing a variety of things. Children to be informed that they will have the opportunity to share what they have learned with children from other schools, who may not have heard of micro:bit before.

Main Session -

- Children to complete the questionnaire about coding and micro:bit to show their knowledge prior to the project.

- Children to use makecode.microbit.org to follow the instructions and practice using the Micro:bit by programming it to display their name.

Resources- Micro:bits, QR code for questionnaire, step-by-step instructions

Lesson 2 - Program the microbit to be a moisture sensor

Introduction - To begin, share the power point about plants and what all plants need with the children. Pose the question how can we tell how much moisture is in the soil? How can we know? Discuss responses, then explain that we can programme the micro:bit to become a soil moisture sensor. Finally, work together to plan our Science investigation using the Micro:bit soil moisture sensor.

Main Session - Children to programme the micro:bit to become their own soil moisture sensor in readiness for the investigation.

TA - Follow the onscreen instructions on https://makecode.microbit.org/#editor

MA- Follow the instructions step by step with the teacher

LA- Follow the instructions step by step with the teacher working with a partner

Plenary - Check that your stepper works by counting how many steps you take to see if it's the same.

Challenge: Download the code to the Micro:bit

Resources - Micro:bit, step by step instructions https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/soil-moisture

Lesson 3 - Testing the moisture within soil Investigation

Introduction - To begin, we will recap what we have already covered and then we will begin to plan the investigation. The children will complete the investigation planning sheet (differentiated).

Main Session -

Micro:bit Investigation Questions:

1. The Question - Children to decide how the question is worded

2. Equipment - Children to draw and label the equipment required to complete the investigation

3. Explanation - Explain what we had to do to carry out the investigation - (differentiated) LA children to draw what they did or take a photo and stick it in

4. Prediction - Children to predict what they think will happen

5. Results - Children to record results in the table (differentiated)

6. Conclusion - What did we find out?

Resources - Differentiated Science investigation sheets, micro:bit, iPad, pencils, colours

Lesson 4 - Carry out the investigation to test the moisture in the soil of potted plants

Introduction - We recapped previous learning and retrieved our Hex files from our Google Drive accounts for the soil moisture sensor. Using the instructions from the guidance found at https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/soil-moisture the pupils attached the Microbit via crocodile clips to two long metal screws, which were then placed in the soil. The children were then able to take a reading from various potted plants with regards to the level of moisture contained within each pot. The pupils recorded their results in a table format in the science books; part of the investigative process.

Pupils used technology to assist them with their investigation and were able to distinguish between the amount of moisture in the soil of each potted plant.

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