Learners will design their own micro: virtual pet, adding animations based on age and ability.
*Recommended to run the lesson over three sessions
Some previous experience with micro:bit would be beneficial.
Educator should review the Micro:bit Quick Start Guide.
| Option | Description | Link to Activity |
|---|---|---|
| A | Tinker with the completed micro:pet code to learn how it works. | Go to microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/microbit-pet, scroll down, and select 'Open in MakeCode' under Step 2. |
| B | Create a basic animation (such a happy and sad face). | Go to makecode.microbit.org and select the “Smiley Buttons” tutorial. |
| C | Create your own micro:bit pet using Python. | groklearning.com/hoc/activity/virtual-pet/ |
Create your own design rubric or use the one provided.
Coding:
English: Learners can pretend their pet needs to be adopted and create a bio about their pet (see a local Humane Society for examples such as the Calgary Humane Society’s Animals for Adoption website)
Tech & Society (Safe Communication): Identify how computers have positively and negatively impacted how people communicate with each other. Review the articles and/or videos about companion robot pets:
Companion Robot Pets: for older people
Tombot - Robotic Emotional Support Animals
Robot therapy dogs could help patients who can't care for living pet (KHOU News 11)
Robotic Pets Are Helping Dementia Patients(HBO)
Data (AI & Machine Learning): Check out Machine Learning Projects: Virtual Pet.
Universal Design: Describe a variety of adaptive technologies that help to improve accessibility. Identify strategies to design more inclusively. As a challenge, learners could use recycled materials to create a prototype of a pet/service animal robot.
Micro:bit Quick Start Guide
https://microbit.org/get-started/first-steps/set-up/
MakeCode micro:bit Pet Project
https://makecode.microbit.org/courses/csintro/making/project
micro:bit Pet
https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/microbit-pet/
Hour of Code: Virtual Pet (Python micro:bit)
https://groklearning.com/hoc/activity/virtual-pet/
Digital Maker: Virtual Cat 3-4 hours intermediate project (extension activity)
https://codesg.imda.gov.sg/virtual-cat/
Calgary Humane Society Animals for Adoption
https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/adopt/animals-for-adoption/
SmartinFive: Companion Robot Pets for older people
https://smartinfive.com/robot-pets-elderly/
Tombot - Robotic Emotional Support Animals
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tombot/tombot-affordable-robotic-companion-animals-for-se
Robot therapy dogs could help patients who can't care for living pet (KHOU News 11)
https://youtu.be/_NP0Tn-R2CY
Robotic Pets Are Helping Dementia Patients (HBO)
https://youtu.be/cFvGAL9tesM
Machine Learning for Kids Projects
https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/worksheets
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.