If this is learners’ first experience with micro:bit, watch the following videos as a group:
Discuss projects that other learners have created (a web search of micro:bit will show many amazing projects!)
Open the MakeCode Editor and click ‘New Project’. Point out the main features: simulator, block categories, blocks, and block area. Review how to move, connect, and delete blocks.
Ask learners to open up the MakeCode Editor on their own computers. Have learners click on the ‘Flashing Heart’ tutorial. Walkthrough the tutorial with learners or ask them to complete it on their own.
Before you begin, be sure to explain and demonstrate that:
Be sure to explain coding concepts as you go through the tutorial!
Provide learners with time to create a ‘New Project’ with their own animations. Check out this starter project (Writing Your Name) for tips.
Have learners Think-Pair-Share the following questions:
What are/is:
I can create algorithms using the MakeCode editor
I can use loops to make things happen more than once
Formatively assess learners to determine if they are able to use the main features of the MakeCode editor.
Coding: Send a written message to a second micro:bit by completing the micro:bit ‘Micro Chat’ tutorial.
Tech & Society (Safe Communication): Identify how computers have positively and negatively impacted how people communicate with each other. See English Extension below.
English: Journal Writing prompt: How does it feel to receive a positive message from someone? How can tech send positive messages to people? Learners can explore real-life examples such as a fitness tracker device congratulating you on a reaching goal or a video game celebrating your accomplishments. Learners could then write positive messages to each other.
Math: Using a loop function, challenge learners to create a pattern of animations. Also, view BBC microbit Simple maths game and/or micro:bit calculator (Hay Kel). In a class discussion, learners can brainstorm math games that could be developed on a micro:bit.
Data (Organizing Data): Review the following Microsoft MakeCode tutorials to see how you can use the micro:bit to collect and organize data: bit.ly/microsoft-microbit-data-streamer & bit.ly/makecode-data-collection
*Note: This is an advanced lesson, but would be a great class demonstration and discussion about how micro:bit can collect data.
MakeCode Reference Guide
https://makecode.microbit.org/reference
The Official BBC micro:bit User Guide (2018) by Garteth Halfacree
Introducing the BBC micro:bit - BBC Make It Digital
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=78&v=Wuza5WXiMkc
micro:bit Tutorial Series Part 1: Getting Started
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIW_6rxYNBg
micro:bit by BBC - Creative Classroom Tips for Educators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_AapxVudM
Starter project (writing your name) for tips by Tech Grandma Deb: http://tech.grandmadeb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Micro-bit-super-easy-lesson-plans-p1.pdf
BBC microbit Simple maths game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEtZt75Te38
micro:bit calculator (Hay Kel)
https://youtu.be/UOQbiSStdIE
Micro Chat Tutorial
https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/micro-chat
Tutorial: Using micro:bit and Make Code with Data Streamer
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/education/data-streamer/using-microbit-and-makecode
Science Experiments 01 Data Collection - Microsoft MakeCode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZy9Ev21B4c
Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons
Although learning how to build digital projects is a key part of Computer Science education, students should also learn a wider set of skills and competencies that will help them to harness the power of digital technologies as both creators and consumers. A comprehensive approach to K-12 Computer Science education includes learning about the following five focus areas:
View Framework ➝By the end of high school, students should be able to create a simple computer program.
By the end of high school, students should understand and be able to use the tools and devices commonly used to build digital projects.
By the end of high school, students should be able to explain how we use computers to create, store, organize, and analyze data.
By the end of high school, students should be able to explore the ways in which technology and society have mutually shaped each other.
By the end of high school, students should be able to apply design principles to the digital projects they create.
