Agenda:
8:00am - Introductions and Intro to the Micro:Bit
10:00 - Break
11:30 - Lunch
12:30 - Microbit - final projects
2:00 - Playground
2:45- Wrap-Up
Introduction:
During this workshop teachers will be introduced to Micro:Bit physical computing devices. These devices use MakeCode, a block programming language to run a multitude of programs. We will complete 5-6 programs together using the temperature sensors, the accelerometer and light sensors. Each program can easily be used in a classroom to discuss environmental science, math and graphing. A Micro:Bit is a great way to engage your students while gathering data and learning simple computer science concepts and skills. Come and play for the day so you can play with your students.
Objectives:
Educators will use several ed tech tools and play with some physical computing tools and hope to apply them.
During this program teachers will use a Micro:Bit to practice simple Computer Science skills to bring simple coding to their students.
Teachers will learn how to use Micro:Bit to capture data to help students make a decision.
Teachers will be able to use Micro:Bit to engage students in their classroom to help make graphs, simple coding and other simple concepts.
CS Principles using Micro:Bits
Grades 3-5
Tools and Collaboration (DTC)
• Use digital tools and keyboarding skills to publish multimedia artifacts.
• Use digital tools to communicate or exchange information.
• Develop intermediate research skills to create artifacts and attribute credit.
Computing Systems (CS)
• Understand different computing devices and their components.
• Use different computing devices and troubleshoot and solve simple problems.
Computational Thinking (CT)
• Create a new representation and breakdown a larger problem into sub problems.
• Write, debug, and analyze an algorithm.
• Understand databases and organizing and transforming data.
• Write, debug, and correct programs using successively sophisticated techniques.
• Create a model and use data from a simulation.
3-5.CT.b.1 Define an algorithm as a sequence of instructions that can be processed by a computer.
3-5.CT.b.3 Use logical reasoning to predict outcomes of an algorithm.
3-5.CT.b.4 Individually and collaboratively create an algorithm to solve a problem (e.g., move a character/robot/person through a maze).
3-5.CT.b.5 Detect and correct logical errors in various algorithms (e.g., written, mapped, live action, or digital).
3-5.CT.d.1 Individually and collaboratively create, test, and modify a program in a graphical environment (e.g., block-based visual programming language).
3-5.CT.d.3 Use interactive debugging to detect and correct simple program errors.
3-5.CT.e.1 Individually and collaboratively create a simple model of a system (e.g., water cycle, solar system) and explain what the model shows and does not show.
3-5.CT.e.3 Individually and collaboratively use data from a simulation to answer a question.
Links of Interest: Massachusetts DLCS Framework: https://www.doe.mass.edu/stem/dlcs/
Now let's play with the Micro:Bit
MakeCode: https://makecode.microbit.org/
Lessons:
1 - Trix Lessons - SEL Emotions, star
2: Collecting data: How to take a nap
3: Radio: red light, green light
4: Variable: Rock, Paper, Scissors
5: Accelerometer : Egg walk
Playground:
Come and play with several different types of devices - MakeyMakeys, Ozobots, Spheros, Hummingbirds, and Circuit Playgrounds.
Also check out OctoStudio
Useful Links:
InfoSys Pathfinders: https://pathfinders.onwingspan.com/web/en/login?ref=%2Fpage%2Fhome
Rural Technology Fund: https://ruraltechfund.org/
Acknowledgements:
Kristin Bergeron, Library/DLCS Teacher, North Falmouth Elementary
Deborah Boisvert, Executive Director CSforMA, Inc.
Melissa Zeitz, DLCS Teacher, Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori School
Demonstration of Professional Learning:
Teachers can complete a lesson plan that uses a Micro:Bit in a lesson just about Computer Science or incorporate it into an existing lesson to bring Computer Science into your classroom.