Introduction: A Fireless Candle With Micro:bit

About: Scientix ambassador in Spain. Mathematics teacher and PhD student about computational thinking. CoSpaces Edu ambassador and member of the micro:bit Champions group 2021. Code week leading teacher.

With this project you can create a birthday candle without using
fire and you can reuse it again and again. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles that you can create with recycled material and the BBC micro:bit V2.

The secret of this project is that you have to code the micro:bit in
order to change the led panel when a sound level is detected with the microphone incorporated when blowing.

Step 1: Materials

To carry out this project you will need:

  • BBC micro:bit V2
  • Brush
  • Orange or red and yellow paint
  • A piece of cardboard
  • A cardboard roll
  • Scissors.

Step 2: The Flame

Cut out two pieces of cardboard with the shape of a candle flame. Make sure the width is a little wider than the micro:bit.

Step 3: The Led Panel Box

Cut out a box in one of the cardboard pieces with the size of the led
panel of the micro:bit (2 x 2 cm).

Step 4: Decorate With Your Own Style

Decorate the flames with a proper colour and embellishments. You can also do the same with the cardboard roll.

Step 5: Code the Micro:bit

The aim of the project is to simulate the flame of the candle with the led panel of the micro:bit. To do this, when the program is started, the entire LED panel must be turned on and an animation must be given, modifying the brightness so that it simulates fire.

This action can be repeated until a certain intensity of sound is detected by the microphone. When it happens, the panel can be turned off and a sound can be played to end the interaction.

You can visit the project using this link

Step 6: Insert the Micro:bit

Make four small cuts at one end of the cardboard roll to hold the two flames.

Insert the micro:bit between the two cardboard flames that you have placed at one end of the roll. You can put the battery of the micro:bit inside the roll.

Step 7: Happy Birthday!

Blow out the candles!

Micro:bit Contest

Participated in the
Micro:bit Contest