Introduction: 1:1 STEM With Micro:bits

Covid-19 presented unique challenges for technology and robotics classes. When going remote, how would each student access the hardware used at school? Enter the BBC micro:bit, a low-cost microcontroller that is infinitely creative and fun. Last year each Parker School 6th grader received a micro:bit to create with. While learning block-based and Python programming, students also created product commercials and designed micro:pets using our MakerSpace 3D printers and laser-cutting technology. Come hear students share their experience with the question, "What can you Imagine, Create, and Share?"

Supplies

Hardware

Note, we used v1 micro:bits last school year. While we await shipment on v2 kits with upgraded hardware and additional onboard sensors, we continue to use the original bits and have just as much fun as ever. Information on the difference between versions may be found here: https://microbit.org/get-started/user-guide/overview/

Optional Peripherals

While using v1 micro:bits, we discovered an amazing Python curriculum and add-on hardware kit from Firia Labs.

Coding and Curriuculum

This web-based coding interface is amazing! We use Mac/PC/Chromebook laptops and iPads (with the micro:bit iOS app installed) to code using MakeCode. There are embedded tutorials and open exploration options and a toggle between block-based, JavaScript and Python coding.

Fantastic project-based lesson framework for CS with the micro:bit.

"This course is targeted to middle school grades 6-8 (ages 11-14 years). It is also written for teachers who may not have a Computer Science background, or who may be teaching an “Intro to Computer Science” course for the first time.

This course takes approximately 14 weeks to complete, spending about 1 week on each of the first 11 lessons, and 3 weeks for students to complete the final project at the end. Of course, teachers should feel free to customize the curriculum to meet individual school or district resources and timeframe."

Firia Labs provides a perpetual license curriculum/coding environement that teaches Python with the micro:bits. "Our learning platform CodeSpace features intuitive error messaging, and a professional debugger, so students are empowered to diagnose and correct their own errors before asking for help, while step-by-step coding lessons, and open-ended projects allow students to work at their own pace."

Step 1: Setup

Setup student devices and pair micro:bits

https://microbit.org/get-started/first-steps/introduction/

Have students watch the introduction videos and talk about key vocabulary and do a scavenger hunt/word search using the diagrams of the micro:bit found here: https://microbit.org/get-started/user-guide/overview/

Based on the types of devices you are using, follow the detailed instructions for setting up the micro:bits:

Step 2: Learning to Code

Students explore the tutorials on MakeCode or the microbit.org project site. A good place to start is animating the LED lights.

Firia Labs provides a perpetual license curriculum/coding environement that teaches Python with the micro:bits. "Our learning platform CodeSpace features intuitive error messaging, and a professional debugger, so students are empowered to diagnose and correct their own errors before asking for help, while step-by-step coding lessons, and open-ended projects allow students to work at their own pace."


Step 3: Projects Ideas

  • Student choice and exploration is key!
  • For a real world design challenge, introduce the "do your :bit" competition that teaches students about the UN Sustainability Goals and runs each year beginning in January: https://microbit.org/projects/do-your-bit/
  • If you want to follow a structure for introducing computational thinking and coding, look at the project ideas in Intro to CS with Micro:bits: https://makecode.microbit.org/courses/csintro

Fantastic project-based lesson framework for CS with the micro:bit.

"This course is targeted to middle school grades 6-8 (ages 11-14 years). It is also written for teachers who may not have a Computer Science background, or who may be teaching an “Intro to Computer Science” course for the first time.

This course takes approximately 14 weeks to complete, spending about 1 week on each of the first 11 lessons, and 3 weeks for students to complete the final project at the end. Of course, teachers should feel free to customize the curriculum to meet individual school or district resources and timeframe."

Step 4: Documenting Student Work

Because the coding is stored on the micro:bit, student projects come to life on their bits. These projects lend themselves to a pop-up project fair in a shared school space where others can interact with their projects. Other ideas for documenting student work are:

Google Slides

iMovie

Website portfolios like Google Sites

Flipgrid