Classroom Activities

micro:bit – How to Write Code to Handle Movement

Description This project shows how to write code to recognize when a micro:bit is tilted toward the left, the right, the top, the bottom, and when it is shaken. It is a beginner project and requires no coding experience. Video Programming Language MakeCode Blocks Difficulty Level Beginner Materials micro:bit and USB cable Designing the Project Develop the problem statement The problem statement is how do I create a program to recognize some movements of the micro:bit while keeping it simple...

micro:bit How to write code for Buttons

Description This example shows how to code the buttons on the micro:bit. There’s not much to it, so it’s a great place to start if you are new to the micro:bit and don’t know where to start. In this exercise, we will use the buttons to display something on the LED array. Here is a video version of the project   Programming Language MakeCode Blocks Difficulty Level Beginner Materials Optional tools: micro:bit and a usb cord that will connect to...

micro:bit how to Program the Logo Touch Sensor

This project shows how to use the touch sensor at the top of the micro:bit. The touch sensor is disguised as the micro:bit logo

micro:bit – How to use the Sound Sensor to Control Lights

This project is a beginner project to show how to use the sound sensor on the micro:bit to trigger a behavior based on the sound level. We will use the sound sensor to turn the LED array lights on in response to a loud sound

micro:bit Beginner – How to Program a Blinking Icon

  Description This micro:bit beginner project is for people getting started with the micro:bit and with writing computer code. It requires no previous coding experience and no knowledge of the micro:bit. In fact, you don’t even really need a micro:bit because you can use the simulator available in MakeCode. If you are using an actual micro:bit, you will need to know how to plug it into your computer. Video Programming Language MakeCode Blocks Difficulty Level Easy beginner Programming Concepts Covered...

micro:bit – Kiktronik Servo:Lite

Description The Servo:lite is a board that has attachments for two servos. It also has five neopixels embedded across the top. Another servo can be attached, but it requires soldering Age Range 11 and up Skill Level Advanced beginner if the Servo:lite is used as-is. Intermediate if you are planning to add a third servo. Tools Needed Kiktronik servo:lite The kit includes 5 screws and a spacer bar to attach it to the micro:bit micro:bit Philips head screwdriver 3xAAA Batteries...

micro:bit project: Interactive Valentine

Description This project shows you how to create an interactive box that uses movement as an input to determine the behavior of a micro:bit. The box is designed to be big enough to hold a micro:bit and a battery pack. There is a heart-shaped cutout to display the LED array embedded on the front of the micro:bit. The micro:bit is coded to play a song and to display a flashing heart based on the box being tilted right or left....

Micro:bit – Use MakeCode to Make a Treasure Chest with a Burglar Alarm

Description This micro:bit project combines arts and crafts with coding to make a treasure chest with a burglar alarm. The alarm uses the LED array on the micro:bit as a light sensor. When the lid of the treasure chest is opened, the light on the LEDs triggers the micro:bit to play a sound. The portion of the project that requires coding the micro:bit is easy so it makes a nice beginning coding project. Programming Language MakeCode Blocks Difficulty Level Beginner...

How to program a micro:bit with MakeCode

Description When learning something new, the best first project is always a simple one that teaches basic skills and has a quick reward. That’s why my go-to first project for the micro:bit is the flashing heart. It teaches a little about events, highlights some of the features of the micro:bit, and provides an easy path into programming. All this project does is create a blinking heart on the micro:bit LED screen. I have added a few more steps to show...

Add LEDs to your project with Neopixels

Neopixel strings are an easy way to add animated lights to your micro:bit or Circuit Playground Express projects. They come in two lengths, 0.5 meters and 1 meter, with 30 LEDs. Neopixels are addressable, which means you can code each one separately to be a color of your choosing