Level Up Learning with MakeCode and Micro:bit
Facilitator(s): Miguel Guhlin | Twitter: @mGuhlin | TechNotes Blog | 1/16/2019
Return - http://ly.tcea.org/levelup
Explore how Microsoft MakeCode, Micro:bit, and Minecraft: Education Edition can help students achieve more advanced learning opportunities. Empower students with the freedom and opportunity to maximize their collaborative learning and problem-solving potential.
Let's Get Started
Connecting the standards
Are you familiar with the ISTE Standards for Students? The standard on Computational Thinking describe the skills and strategies students need to develop.
Physical computing and computational thinking, which you will learn more about in this session, are doorways into future-ready classrooms.
What is MakeCode? Micro:bit?
The BBC micro:bit is a small wearable and programmable device that has these components:
- a 5x5 LED display,
- accelerometer,
- compass,
- buttons,
- I/O pins,
- Micro USB plug,
- Bluetooth Low Energy antenna,
- ARM Cortex-M0 processor, and
- battery plug (Source)
Copy the hex file saved on your computer to the micro:bit. Simply open the MICROBIT (just as you would a USB flash drive) then drag-n-drop the hex file as shown in the image right.
In a moment, your Micro:bit will automatically begin to run the program.
Windows user? Right-click and choose SEND TO then select MICROBIT.
Pseudocode
- Start with a blank screen
- Play audio notes in sequence at the appropriate beats
- Include pauses at appropriate moments
- Display "THANK YOU!" at the end of the performance
Sample Code
- Hot Cross Buns
- Amazing Grace (Incomplete)
"MakeCoding" with minecraft
Never coded before? No problem! Learn coding fundamentals with MakeCode's tutorials for Minecraft: Education Edition. You'll take advantage of block coding tools, as well as be introduced to the free Makecode curriculum. Once you know how to code with MakeCode, you'll also be ready to start using micro:bits.
Ready? Let's Get Started!
1. Windows 10 computer OR Mac computer with OS X El Capitan (or greater)
2. An external two-button mouse
3. An installed copy of Minecraft: Education Edition (Get the bundle if you don't have any other software installed)
Skip the next two items if you got the bundle above
Resources
Free Curriculum
- 14-week
- Intro to Computer Science course
- Middle School level
- CSTA Standards aligned
Micro:Bit Connections
- Blog Entries, Social Media & Videos
- 3D Printing Projects for Micro:Bit: Combine 3D printing with the inexpensive micro:bit and some basic coding to take your printed creations to the next level.
- Video Series: Project Ideas
- Read the Quick-Start Guide for Teachers
- Free Microsoft Micro:bit Microsoft Education Community (MEC) Course
- Social Media
- Video Tutorials
Printables
This FREE book presents a series of activities to teach the basics of computer networks. While you will not learn all aspects of computer networking, we hope that it will serve as a good starting point. To network micro:bits, we use custom micro:bit radio to radio communication.
When one hears the word radio, what comes to mind is the radio that blasts out tunes from your favorite radio broadcasting channel. But, a radio, or a radio transceiver (transmitter/receiver), is used in communications to generate and receive radio waves that contain information such as audio, video or digital data. And all micro:bits have built-in radios1 .
Each chapter presents interesting challenges in radio communications and networking with micro:bits. After every few chapters, there’s an exciting game to look forward to! In the programming sections, you will use the JavaScript Blocks Editor at https://makecode.microbit.org/ to develop solutions to overcome those challenges .
