This is one of the final exploratory units before the students' independent project. Students should be thinking about their project as they complete the intermediate and advanced sessions.

Themes: Peripherals and sensors for beginner, intermediate & advanced levels.

SENSORS & PERIPHERALS

A sensor is a device that measures a change in the environment. The M:B has four built in sensors: the light sensor, the temperature sensor (Unit 2), the accelerometer and the compass.

What do you think each sensor measures? In which context could you use each of these sensors?

Accessories and peripherals are devices that can be connected to the M:B in order to provide it with additional functionality.  Some examples of peripherals are crocodile/alligator clips, microphones, speakers, sensors (motion, humidity, etc), motors (servo motor, step motor, etc), buzzers, breadboards and much more.

(Teacher: View the Material & Supplies section for lists of material and suppliers.)

GETTING STARTED

On this Padlet, you will find beginner/intermediate/advanced M:B challenges. 

As you explore these challenges, you will learn about different sensors & peripherals... what each sensors or peripheral does, how to connect them, how to code them, and more! Throughout the process, keep in mind that you will soon be creating a larger, personalized M:B project. Think about how you can combine different peripherals to make a new project or expand on previous ones.

TEACHER TIP! Set aside enough time for students to explore several (all) of the peripherals.  More peripheral exploration will lead to a more complex 'BIG micro:bit project'.

GOING FURTHER

Try out the different challenges presented on this Padlet.

Keeping Track of Your Code & Process

Don't forget to keep track of your code! Use the tracking document provided by your teacher to save and track your M:B projects.