Overview: 

 Students will code and use microcontrollers to explore and memorize countries throughout the world. Map maneuver is a lesson for 9th -10th graders to reinforce world geography in an active and challenging way. This lesson incorporates gamifying elements while having students apply what they have learned through a digital platform like Microsoft Excel. 

Step 1: Coding

Coding: Students may code their own microcontroller for the lesson, or Teachers may assist.

Step 1: To begin students must pair the micro controller to their computer using the website AdaFruit Adafruit Circuit Playground Express - Blocks / Javascript editor. Press the reset button on the microcontroller located in the middle of the microcontroller. 

Step 2: In AdaFruit press the options tab (the gear) and select pair device and select the microcontroller. 

Step 3: To begin coding, we will start with each button, students will create a new block. This block will be in the INPUT section and select [On button A and CLICK] drag over to the workboard. Then select LIGHT and insert [Show animation] students may select which animation they prefer although the speed must be set to [1000 ms].

Step 4: After the animation is inside the INPUT block, select MUSIC. In MUSIC select play melody, students may create whichever melody they choose, but with a tempo over 200 bpm. Insert the melody under the animation, inside the INPUT. Select MUSIC again and select [select volume], put it to 255, max volume. 

Step 5: After the MUSIC pieces are inserted into the INPUT block, select LIGHT again. choose [select all pixels] and choose black. after inserting select all pixels, go to LIGHT again and select [set pixel color at] choose a color of choice to insert at the end, then go to MATH at select [random] pick the numbers 0-9. 

Step 6: repeat steps 1-5, but select button B instead of Button A and choose a different color at the end of step 5. 

Creating a List

Step 1: In ADAfruit select LOOPS and then select [On Start]

Step 2: Select VARIABLES and choose [Set list to] and put that block inside the [on start]

Step 3: Then select the ADVANCED drop down and select [Arrays] and put in an array with 6 total options, insert the LIGHT color option that shows [ red 0, blue 0, green 0] and copy the next picture for the correct amounts in each color.

Step 4: Select INPUT and choose the [on switch moved] block by itself. Select LIGHT and choose [set all pixels], within this block insert from ARRAY, [list get value at] then within this block insert from MATH and select the [pick random number] and set it to 0 through 5. 

Step 2: The Excel

Click on the excel link above: Map Maneuver

Students now have free reign to select a country randomly using the switch and then the buttons from there to maneuver around the map, sorting each country into the correct continent. The list featured is the UN recognized countries, there are more that students can add in if they like. 

Step 3: the Lesson

Learning outcomes: 

Students will further their understanding of worldwide geography by explaining and categorizing different where different countries are and what continent they belong to.

Tips:

 If you get stumped on a country, don't worry! Use the process of elimination and return after completing some countries around the one you were stuck on.

This can be made harder if the student does not use the list already provided and rather names the country from memory if a student is adept in geography.

For countries smaller than the micro-controller on the map, try to think of the middle of the microcontroller as a pin, and move it away from the map so you can continue moving around the continent.

Assessment:

This lesson can be assessed both formative and summative. 

Formative assessment, keep checking up on students progress and looking through there excel sheet to see if they are progressing in a steady manner, or if they are stuck on a certian country/continent.

Summative assessment: Provide students with a blank map of each continent, and have students fill out the names of the countries from memory after they have completed the program.