Micro:bits

What is the Micro:bit?

Micro:bit Quick Start Guide

Micro:bit Classroom Ideas

After you code is complete: How to transfer a program to your micro:bit

Try This:

Here is an activity that you can try.

Copy of Warm up activity: Microbit

OR

Click on the link below to create an image using the LED screen on the microbit.


Examples of project descriptions for Micro:bits

Example 1

We anticipate using the class set of microbits in our elementary music program. While they can be used across multiple grades / subject areas - our focus at the outset will be integrating them into the Grade 4-6 Music Curriculum. Using the knowledge of Scratch the students have already experienced, we hope to integrate the Micro:bit to code and create musical instruments that will trigger sounds / chords, etc. when different buttons/actions on the microbit are used.

Example 2

Our goal is to create a high tech garden, in which the students code necessary components of the garden to monitor it. We would be looking to use Microbits to code moisture sensors, live camera, soil sensors...etc. We would be looking to make the garden as high tech as possible. The goal would be to have a "live" garden in that information and data is observed and acted upon by students. Students would have to 3D print solutions to issues that arise in the garden (holders for the sensors, watering solutions, items to hold plant stems...etc). The goal would be to have the classroom and community garden accesses by other classes as well. This project would be partnered with Let's Talk Science and Little Green Thumbs. Links to Grade 4 outcomes include Science (habitats unit) and Math (data collection, geometry). This project would also link to other grade levels, and the goal again is to share the knowledge and project with the whole school community.

Example 3

Grade 5 students will use the program Scratch to program a Micro:bit that is capable of measuring temperature. They will use their thermometers to measure and record temperatures several times a day outside, noting the high and low temperature each day for a week (5 days). Once their data is compiled they will then create double bar graphs using MS Excel (showing the high and low for each day) and display their findings in classroom/school.

Example 4

The class kit that we hope to get will be used within the Grade 5/6 Science Programs. For the time being, we will focus on Weather data collection in Science 5. One item identified in the guide is identify problems with a constructed weather instrument to solve. When they use the microbit with the weatherbit, the students can analyze it to help identify any potential problems. It is suggested that students can construct a weather instrument and this would be a perfect application using coding and the microbits. Also, they would use the data to help describe the weather which is also mentioned as a part of the Grade 5 science.

For grade 6 science we can use the Microbits for a variety of applications to show simple circuits and series vs parallel. Using fans, motors, lights, the built in led lights and so on. Students will have an opportunity to develop their block coding knowledge and discover a new way to represent their knowledge of the content in addition to using new tools to acquire and collect data. There will be a learning process here for us the teachers but we are excited to expand our tool box for resources to help deliver our curriculum outcomes and have the students more engaged. We anticipate using the microbits in many other subject areas as well. There are many applications possible.

Example 5

I plan to use the microbit in the Grade 6 science program, specifically in the electricity unit. Students will use code to turn the microbit into the circuit switch. They will use the microbits to control a light or a motor and allow them to see the differences between series and parallel circuits. In addition, they can use the microbits to investigate conductive versus non-conductive materials.

Example 6

Studies suggest that students in grade 4, should have between 11,000 - 15,000 steps a day. These studies also show that using physical computing devices increases the motivation, creativity and collaboration amongst young people. Our grade 4 curriculum involves knowledge of active living and the importance of making physical activity part of your daily life. Positive experiences with physical activity need to start at a young age if they are to continue into adult life. Grade fours will take personal responsibility for their well-being and discuss ways to improve their fitness. Students will work in small groups to complete this project. They will begin by coding the microbits to count their steps.

Once the coding is complete, they will use everyday items to design a prototype of a wearable step counter. It must integrate the microbit, be suitable for students their age to wear (light and easy to wear), must attach to clothing, wrist, ankle or waist. Once the design is complete they will present their microbit step counter to the class and explain why their design is the best one for the class to use.

After the presentations the students will complete personal research (count steps for activities) and collect the data. Learners will be display data on a bar graph. Each child will be given 15 minutes using the step counter and record the number of steps. The group will then average their steps and record the average. Once all groups have shared their average results, everyone will create and label a bar graph and a pictograph of the steps taken.

The final part of the project will involve the students creating short videos explaining the importance of an active lifestyle and practical ways for them to increase steps every day.