Microbits

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Microbits

Year 8 

Why do you think it is important that we know how to 'Code'?

Key Objective: To be-able to use your knowledge of a 'Block-based' language to program.

All 

• To be-able to explain why programming is needed.
• To be-able to explain how to program a microbit.

Most 

• To be-able to code a 'microbit' following a brief.

Some 

• To be-able to demonstrate knowledge of coding.
• To be-able to create a program using a microbit.

What is a Microbit?

• A Microbit is a small pocket-sized programmable computer.

• It has 25 red LEDs that can light up, flash messages, create games, and invent digital stories!
  

• Two programmable buttons. You can use the Microbit as a games controller, and even pause or skip songs on a playlist!

What does a Microbit look like?

What can the Microbit do?

• It has an on-board motion detector (accelerometer) that can detect movement and tell other devices you’re on the go. You can light it up when something is moved, and use it for motion-activated games.

• The built-in compass (magnetometer) helps to sense which direction you’re facing, your movement in degrees, and where you are.

• Bluetooth Smart Technology can connect to the internet, connect to your friends’ microbits, phones, tablets, cameras. You can share creations, join forces, take a selfie, and even pause a DVD.

Microbits Website - Where we will code!

Click here

Step 1 - Click 'New Project'.

Step 2 - Type 'Practice'.

Step 3 - Then copy the code in the image.

Downloading the code to the microbit

We now need to download the code and place it onto the Microbit.

Challenge 1 - Dice Game

See if you can complete the challenge!

Click here 

Challenge 2 - Rock, Paper, Scissors

See if you can complete this challenge!

Click here

Click New Project, and give it a name ( "Reaction Timer")

Step 1: Set Up Your Variables

• Click Variables → Make a Variable → Name it startTime
  
• Create another variable called endTime
  
• Create a third variable called reactionTime

Step 2: Display Instructions

• In the on start block:
  
• Add show string "Get Ready!"

Step 3: Create the Game Trigger

• Use the input block:
  
• Drag in on button A pressed
  
• Inside it, do the following:
  
• Add show string "Wait..."
• Add pause (random ms between 2000 and 5000)
  
• (Found under Math → pick random 2000 to 5000)
  
• Add show icon (target) or show LED pattern as the signal
  
• Set startTime to running time (ms)
  
• (From input → running time)

Step 4: Detect User Reaction

• Use on button B pressed:
• Set endTime to running time
• Set reactionTime = endTime - startTime
• Show reactionTime on the LED screen

Step 5: Optional – Add Feedback

• After showing the time:
• If reactionTime < 300, show icon happy
• Else, show icon meh
• (Use an if else block from Logic)

Click New Project, and give it a name ( "Reaction Timer")

Step 1: Set Up Your Variables

• Click Variables → Make a Variable → Name it startTime
  
• Create another variable called endTime
  
• Create a third variable called reactionTime

Step 2: Display Instructions

• In the on start block:
  
• Add show string "Get Ready!"

Step 3: Create the Game Trigger

• Use the input block:
  
• Drag in on button A pressed
  
• Inside it, do the following:
  
• Add show string "Wait..."
• Add pause (random ms between 2000 and 5000)
  
• (Found under Math → pick random 2000 to 5000)
  
• Add show icon (target) or show LED pattern as the signal
  
• Set startTime to running time (ms)
  
• (From input → running time)

Step 4: Detect User Reaction

• Use on button B pressed:
• Set endTime to running time
• Set reactionTime = endTime - startTime
• Show reactionTime on the LED screen

Step 5: Optional – Add Feedback

• After showing the time:
• If reactionTime < 300, show icon happy
• Else, show icon meh
• (Use an if else block from Logic)

Challenge 3 - Extension Task

Click here 

What is a microbit?

1. A programmable microcontroller for coding projects.
2. A type of computer virus.
3. A type of music genre.
4. A type of insect.

What can you create with a microbit?

1. Robots
2. Animations
3. Paintings
4. Games

What have you learnt today?