Microbits 2 - Rock, Paper, Scissors

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Let's Play Rock, Paper, Scissors with Microbit!

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to write a program using the Microbit make code editor, create a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, and download it to your Microbit to play with a partner.

Introduce the learning objective and ensure that the students understand what they will achieve by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about programming and playing games with Microbit?

Make Code Editor

Make Code Editor is a web-based code editor that allows you to create games and other programs for your Microbit.

Open this link and create a new program called "Dice".

Recall task - Can you remember how to code a dice? The program should display a random number from 1 - 6 on the Microbit when it is shaken. Make sure you start your program from scratch.

Explain what Make Code Editor is and how to access it.

How did you do?

Did you manage to code a functioning dice without support?

Did you use a variable in your program?

Explain how to create the game and what elements are necessary.

Logic Blocks (Selection)

We will use the "Logic Blocks" to create an "If Else Ststement" to allow our Rock Paper Scissors Game to function.

You can drop variables into your comparison block

Explain how to use the input buttons in the game.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Rock, Paper, Scissors is a game where two players choose one of three options: rock, paper, or scissors. Rock beats scissors, paper beats rock, and scissors beat paper.

Open this link and create a new program called "Rock Paper Scissors".

Explain the rules of the game and how it works.

Making the Rock, Paper, Scissors game

• You will need the following blocks.
• A shake "input" block
• You will need a logic block with 3 choices (use the plus to add the extra section)
• A math block to choose a random number from 1 - 3
• A variable to store a number from 1 - 3
• The set block to initialise the variable
• 2 comparison blocks where you compare the variable against the picture to display.
• 3 LED graphics of the rock, paper, scissors symbols

Extension - can you tweak your code to turn it into a Magic 8 Ball that can tell your future?

Explain how to use the display in the game.

Solution to the Rock, Paper, Scissors game

• You will need the following blocks.
• A shake "input" block
• You will need a logic block with 3 choices (use the plus to add the extra section)
• A math block to choose a random number from 1 - 3
• A variable to store a number from 1 - 3
• The set block to initialise the variable
• 2 comparison blocks where you compare the variable against the picture to display.
• 3 LED graphics of the rock, paper, scissors symbols

Extension - can you tweak your code to turn it into a Magic 8 Ball that can tell your future?

Explain how to use the display in the game.

Plenary

Testing what you have learnt in today's lesson.

What programming language was used to write the 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' game for the microbit?

1. MakeCode
2. Python
3. Java
4. C++

What input block does the 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' game on the microbit use?

1. Button
2. Shake
3. Light
4. Sound

What type of block is used to make comparisons in the 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' game for the microbit?

1. Logic
2. Variable
3. Math
4. Text

What type of block is used to store a value that can change in the 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' game for the microbit?

1. Variable
2. Text
3. Math
4. Logic

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.