micro:bit

For this assignment I worked with a micro:bit. A micro:bit is a very tiny computer. I had to program the micro:bit to show my name on the front with the LED lights. That assignment was called Hello World. I also had to program it to show faces when I shook it or pressed button A or B. That assignment was called Emotions. I used the block form for the coding and created my program. The input is the pressing of button A or B or the shaking of the micro:bit which activated the accelerometer. The output is the lights shown on the front. I also did the challenge which was to have the micro:bit show a face when I shook the micro:bit. Play my video to see the micro:bit!!!!

For this assignment I programmed my micro:bit to work like a compass. The input was the magnetic pull from the poles. The output is the LEDs showing N, S, E, or W (for north, south, east, or west). The hardest part was probably figuring out what to code and making sure I followed the tutorial correctly.

For this assignment I made the micro:bit show the light level where it is and play a certain sound when the light reached a certain level. I created a program that measured the light level and played a tone when the light dropped to a level less than 70. The input is the light and the output is the LEDs and/or sound. This assignment was fun because I liked exploring the different features of the micro:bit.

For my final project I made a game. It is called Frustration. The way the game works is there is a metal wire bent into a squiggly line. Then you would have a wand with a loop at the end that is in the metal wire. The goal is to run the wand through the course without the rim touching the wire. If it does, then a buzzer will sound and an X will show on the micro:bit's LEDs. I chose this project because I wanted to something fun that everyone will enjoy (and almost everyone likes games). This is how I made it: first, I made my code. Second, I made the props (metal course, wand, and platform). Finally, I wired the micro:bit to the game and the speaker. When the construction was done, I videoed the game in progress. The hardest part was probably wiring the micro:bit and making sure none of the wires came loose. If I had more time, I would probably add a timer or make the course bigger. For my project, the input was either the electrical current by having the wires connect, or the pressing of the "A" button which reset the score of fails. Coding the micro:bit was fun because everything seemed so logical when I was finished. To make the project my own, I added the sound. 

I enjoyed the micro:bit project. It was fun making different projects with the micro:bit and exploring the different functions of it. I preferred the micro:bit over the Arduino because it seemed easier but could perform the same functions. Overall, I enjoyed using the micro:bit.