General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices

is a complete path that electricity can travel through. It’s like a loop that lets electric current flow

the transmission of data between devices without using physical cables or wires

Connecting micro:bits to other hardware

Computing

Creating programs on a physical computing device

Using input and output

Designing a physical computing project

Developing a physical computing project

Reflecting on a physical computing project

In this unit, pupils will plan, develop, and evaluate a physical computing project. They will break down the project into smaller, easier-to-solve tasks. They will put these plans into action to create a working prototype that they use to evaluate their successes and identify future improvements.

Physical computing using the micro:bit

Why would you want to connect external components to a micro:bit?

a circuit without interruption, providing a continuous loop

a circuit where electricity is stopped from flowing

a circuit that is not currently being used

What do we mean by the term “closed circuit”?

What is the name of the pins that allow you to control hardware components with a micro:bit?

We want to create a program that will create a closed circuit when we press GPIO pin 0 and GND pin. Which block do we need?

What type of signal is used to send data between two micro:bits wirelessly?

the programs and applications that run on a computer

used for sending/receiving electrical signals to/from other devices

a closed path through which electric current flows

technology that allows devices to exchange data using radio waves

Match the terms to the correct descriptions.

data that is sent to a program to be processed

information that is produced by a computer

a physical part of a computer or device, such as wires or buttons

a component that emits light when electricity flows through it

a device that can detect physical properties such as light or movement

Match these terms to their correct definition.

What would “playing a sound” be classified as?

Which block allows you to select between two possible outcomes based on whether a condition is met or not?

Connect the micro:bit to your computer using the USB cable.

Test your program works using the hardware on the micro:bit.

Put these steps in order to store a program on a micro:bit so it can be run without the emulator.

Connecting micro:bits to other hardware

Lesson outcome