BBC MicroBit Introduction Projects

The first job I face is to introduce this technology into the hands of my pupils. Frankly, I think I would probably be able to use the device well below the Year 7 target audience as it has some very friendly programming methods available.

Initially I plan to introduce some of the capabilities of the device. With only a 35 Minute lesson available to me each week, any readers of this will have to forgive small amounts of work, but that is what I have to contend with.

Once the devices are set up and ready to go, we have the ability to program using the www.microbit.co.uk website that the BBC have set up. For ease, to begin with I shall be using the 'Microsoft Block Editor' to create programs, until we are more comfortable with how to operate the devices.

In this first experience of the MicroBit, I plan to show the pupils how to display a string of words in response to different buttons being pressed, create a thermometer to look at the 'Forever' loops and to display simple images on the LED Array.

Showing a string

A simple first task that just looks at programming the device, some of the input via buttons and will give the pupils an idea how to download the program onto the device.

The instructions are below.

Showing An Image

I have very quickly discovered that the children love to use the LEDs to show an image on their screen. The code for this is so simple and they can play with numerous different ideas, I have to admit that the usually end up drawing emojis. But this is fine by me...

Using Input Options

In this quick moving lesson, I like to show a new function of the Micro:Bit and let the children experiment for 5 or 6 minutes. This gives a real good insight into how they are thinking about using the device.

The next thing I will show is how to have multiple programs on their Micro:Bit, using the input buttons.

The amount of 'Wow' comments that result from this simple code are amazing.



Displaying Temperature

The final part of the lesson is to demo the sensors that come with the Micro:Bit, these are some of the best bits and playing around with the temperature sensor. Measuring body temperature, getting in my server cupboard to measure and checking the air con are good fun and practical experimentation.

Lesson over, we move onto more interesting examples in the second one.