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Code in the ClassroomIntroduction to micro:bit

We are a bilingual, Canadian not for profit organization dedicated

to empowering children and educators, with a particular focus

on girls and children from disadvantaged groups, with the skills

we all need to thrive in a technology driven society. Since 2013,

we have reached more than 4300 teachers and over 150,000

students.

We’re igniting young minds across Canada by teaching kids to

code. Learning computational thinking, coding, and physical

computing provides youth with the skills needed to create,

communicate, and innovate with the tools of the 21st century. And

by introducing code into classrooms and communities, we’re able

to create a new generation of thinkers, creators and doers.

ShapesHour 1:

Learning Objectives:

• Familiarity with physical computing through micro:bit.

• Familiarity with micro:bit block code sequences, modularization and repetition.

• Familiarity with computational practices like planning and experimentation

Materials:

• Graph paper

• Overhead projector

• Online Editor makecode.microbit.org

• Computers with working USB ports (not iPads!)

• Micro:bits

• Animation cards

WARM UP

Ask for three volunteers.

Volunteer (A) sits at desk with back to simple image drawn on 5 x 5 grid on

whiteboard, blackboard, or projected on a powerpoint slide. This could be a duck,

or a heart, or whatever the educator decides.

Volunteer (B) gives simple directions to volunteer (A) to recreate image.

Volunteer (C) writes down the directions that volunteer (B) gives.

Once challenge has been accomplished, volunteer (C) reads out the directions.

Class reflects on how the directions could be simplified using sequences and

repetition.

Simple 5x5 grid unplugged

1

SET UP AND INTRO

Class completes an introductory animation on the Makecode emulator, like

animating their name.

Class completes their first download to see the animation on the micro:bit.

DUCK

Micro:bit and platform

2

ACTIVITY 1 Make it move!

Class creates simple animations using Makecode LED panels, e.g. heartbeat,

smiley faces, jumping jacks, or animations on the KCJ animation cards.

Tip: Students can save time by creating core shape on one LED, right click to

duplicate, and add/change only LED dots that need to be different.

ShapesHour 1:

3

ACTIVITY 2 Name your code!

Class names sequences (modularize) using “functions” and loop with

repeat blocks.

To make it easier to experiment, class creates a clear button.

4

ACTIVITY 3

REFLECTION

Lightcraft!

Class weaves sequences and threads them together using modularization and

repetition.

E.g. [your name] + [beating heart] + [jumping jacks]

Tip: use blank panels or pause blocks to “punctuate” sequences

Class reflects on successes and challenges.

• What problems did they encounter. How were these problems solved.

• What was most fun?

• What was most frustrating?

Stretch and extension challenges:

Explore other projects on MakeCode, like Coin Flipper.

ShapesHour 1:

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notes

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Graph paper unplugged. Instructor hides a “ship” of 3 or 4 squares that class must

guess. Using numbered 0-4 x, y coordinates along 5 x 5 grid.

WARM UP

DotsHour 2:

Learning Objectives:

• Assimilation of sequences and repetition

• Introduction to binary on/off, variables and random assignment

• Introduction to programming index

• Familiarity with computational practice like planning and experimentation

0

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10 2 3 4

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As class guesses (naming horizontal, x, coordinate first) instructor marks either

O (miss) or X (hit). Once squares are guessed, class reflects on advantages and

challenges of working with a numbered grid compared to unplugged exercise in

hour 1.

Quick revision (optional):

Class revisits basics with “show number” and the “random” block to construct a

dice (as in “dice” tutorial on MakeCode)

ACTIVITY 1 Blinking dots

Class experiments with plotting dots on the microbit using an x, y block.

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Class experiments with:

• Changing numbers from 0 to 4.

• Using the following blocks to create animation effects:

A fun demo for the power of these coordinates combined with random blocks:

Starry Lights

DotsHour 2:

> continued

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ACTIVITY 2 Blinking lines

Class creates a line of dots with the 0 to 4 loop and a variable block.

First name some new variables to go with the “index” variable:

Class uses a for loop to “step” the x coordinate through positions 0-4.

Tip: Highlight the process by clicking the snail icon under the emulator.

Class experiments with:

• Moving one variable block from x to y.

• Using unplot and pause blocks to change the animation effect.

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ACTIVITY 3 Full grid challenge!

Class is challenged to fill the entire 5 x 5 grid one dot at a time.

Some might do this by simply stacking for 0 to 4 loops on top of each other. Some

might fill it up with the random block.

Some students might come up with the idea of “nesting” one loop inside another

for 0 to 4 loop and using the second variables. One of these students can be

invited to demonstrate. Instructor demonstrates only if no one has come with a

solution independently.

Experiment with:

• Switching variable blocks.

• Unplot and pause blocks.

DotsHour 2:

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REFLECTION

Prompts:

• What problems were encountered and how did you solve them.

• What was more fun and/or more challenging, shapes or dots?

Extension challenges:

• Use random blocks inside the “pause” blocks to create a “firefly” effect.

• Nest a second for 0 to 4 loop inside the outside loop for a “snake” effect.

Modularize this code with functions.

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Activity Cards

Jumping Jacks

Flying Bat

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Pinwheel A

Pinwheel B

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Sinking Boat

Floating Duck

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ResourcesMicrobit resources for teachers include lesson plans, curriculums,

project ideas:

https://microbit.org/teach/

Code Club micro:bit projects are great for stretch challenges:

https://codeclubprojects.org/en-GB/microbit/

The KCJ art:bit facilitates animation and makes using the micro:bit easier for

younger students. It is currently available for chromebooks and soon to be

available for iPads.

https://kidscodejeunesse.org/artbit.html

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