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Micro:bit V1 - 8 lesson program


Majority of these lessons will utilise activities on the Makecode Micro:bit website. 

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Micro:bit V1

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

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​Objective: Students will understand the basic features and functionality of the Micro:bit.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Begin with an overview of the Micro:bit, discussing its components (LED display, buttons, sensors) and potential applications in everyday projects.
     

  2. Main Activity (25 minutes)

  • Demonstrate how to connect the Micro:bit to the computer and access the website.

  • Guide students through creating their first program: a simple flashing heart animation.

  • Support students as they upload the code to their Micro:bit and observe the outcome.

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  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Recap the main steps and ask students to share their experiences and any challenges faced.
     

Lesson 2: Using Inputs and Outputs

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will learn how to use buttons and display outputs on the Micro:bit.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Review the key points from Lesson 1 and introduce the concept of input/output.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Explain how to program button inputs (A and B) to display different outputs (e.g., a smiley face).

  • Guide students step-by-step through coding an interaction using button inputs.

  • Allow time for students to experiment and modify the code to display other outputs.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Have a brief sharing session where students show what they created and discuss any variations they tried.
     

Lesson 3: Creating Simple Animations

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will program basic animations using LED displays.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Recap input/output concepts and introduce animation as a sequence of frames.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Demonstrate creating an animation loop, such as a running stick figure.

  • Guide students through designing their own simple animation.

  • Provide time for students to code and test their animations.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Have students share their animations with the class and discuss how they created them.

 

Lesson 4: Using Sensors

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will understand how to use sensors to interact with the environment.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the Micro:bit’s accelerometer and light sensor, explaining how they can detect movement and light levels.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Show students how to create a program that changes the LED display based on tilting the Micro.

  • Guide them to create a “magic 8-ball” program that responds to shaking.

  • Allow students to test and modify their code.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Recap the activity and discuss potential real-world uses for sensors.
     

Lesson 5: Sound and Music

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will explore how to program sound and music using the Micro:bit.

 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of sound outputs and how the Micro:bit can produce music through a speaker or headphones.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Demonstrate how to program a simple melody using MakeCode.

  • Guide students through creating a short jingle that incorporates button inputs for sound control.

  • Let students experiment with different musical notes and sequences.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Invite students to share their jingles and discuss the process of coding them.
     

Lesson 6: Building a Digital Compass

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will apply sensors to create a functional digital compass.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain what a magnetometer is and how it senses magnetic fields.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students step-by-step through programming the compass feature.

  • Ensure students test and calibrate their compass to make sure it points north.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Discuss the importance of calibration and how students can apply this skill in real-world scenarios.
     

Lesson 7: Developing a Step Counter

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will combine coding concepts to create a step counter using the accelerometer.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Review how to read data from the accelerometer and discuss potential uses for tracking movement.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students through writing a program that counts steps when the Micro:bit is moved.

  • Allow time for testing and refining the code for better accuracy.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Have students share their step counters and reflect on the process of creating them.
     

Lesson 8: Final Project and Showcase

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020

​

Objective: Students will synthesise learned skills by creating a unique project.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for a project that combines multiple skills learned throughout the program.
     

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Support students as they plan, code, and debug their projects.

  • Provide feedback and assist with troubleshooting as needed.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Conclude the program with a showcase session where each student presents their project and reflects on their learning.

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