Tag Archives: Block Coding

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 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...

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...

micro:bit How to use a servo to make a waving hand

Servo motors are a go-to tool for making things move. This project uses a standard servo, connected directly to the micro:bit, to create a waving hand. The hand can be traced or printed and cut. I used a Silhouette Cameo to create the hand I used. You can decorate the hand before attaching it to the servo.

micro:bit: Make a Compass

The project uses the micro:bit to make a compass. The micro:bit has a compass that identifies magnetic north. The code uses input from that and the accelerometer to determine the angle of the micro:bit compared to the direction of magnetic north.

micro:bit add-on: Kiktronik ZIP Tiles

The Zip Tile is an 8x8 array of LEDs. Read more about how each LED can be programmed to be a certain color and have a certain behavior.

micro:bit – Add more display space by adding a scroll:bit

The scroll:bit gives you more than four times the space of the display area on the micro:bit with a 17×7 array of white LEDs. You can use it to teach more advanced coding, or to get creative and build things like an LED badge. The scroll:bit makes all the connections to the micro:bit so you don’t need to worry about connecting how to connect it.

Introduction to MakeCode using micro:bit

MakeCode is a web-based programming application. We list why it is a great tool for teaching students about programming and robotics, and include a short video on how to get started writing block code in MakeCode.

micro:bit – How to make an inchworm robot

This inchworm is a fun starter project for anyone interested in learning about robotics but they don’t know where to start. It is a simplified version of the Inchworm robot design found on the MakeCode for micro:bit site.