It's Micro:bit Time!

STEM Lab round 4 has the 4th and 5th grade classes exploring the realm of physical computing using the BBC Micro:bit microcontroller. The Micro:bit has a variety of inputs that students can program to generate outputs. The device's inputs include 2 buttons, an accelerometer, and sensors for temperature, light, and sound. Its outputs include a 5x5 LED matrix that can display images or text and a tiny speaker that can generate tones to play music. The Micro:bit also has a set of GPIO pins that can be used as both inputs and outputs depending on how they are programmed. The students used the Makecode language to program in this unit, but the Micro:bit can also be programmed with the text-based languages Python and Javascript.

Each day students were given a brief introduction to a particular input or output. They coded along with me to create a starter project. After that, students were tasked to continue independently using the day's programming concept to make their own creative project. They used the buttons to play animations. The accelerometer (tilt sensor) was used to play the different notes of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Jingle Bells. Students learned about using the GPIO pins as outputs by connecting LEDS with wires and programming different blinking patterns. They used the light sensor to play notes and display images based on the measured light level.

One of the things I love best about the Micro:bit is the amount of creative freedom students have. Even within the constraints of the daily task, they can create images, animations, and music. A 25 pixel "screen" does not seem like much, but I am always amazed at how expressive the students are able to be. Moving forward students will have the opportuity to use the Micro:bit as the digital element of a physical building project.