The micro:bit
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a program to run on a controllable device.
Key learning points
- Programming knowledge can be applied to different languages using different programming environments.
- Programs can be tested on an emulator.
- Programs can be transferred to a controllable device in order to carry out physical actions.
Keywords
Micro:bit - a small computer that runs simple programs
Transfer - to move a program from one place to another
Emulator - a tool that allows a computer to act like a different kind of computer
Common misconception
You must write a new program every time you use the micro:bit.
You can reuse and edit programs on the micro:bit once they're transferred.
Teacher tip
Allow time for pupils to explore the emulator before programming. Familiarity with the interface reduces cognitive load when writing their first program.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software that can be used to program a physcial controller. Examples in this lesson use Microsoft MakeCode https://oak.link/makecode
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an example of an input device?
Q2.Which of these is an output device?
Q3.Put these steps in order for using a mouse to draw a picture:
Q4.Put these actions in order for using a keyboard to type a sentence:
Q5.Match the action to the device:
keyboard
speaker
mouse
monitor
Q6.Which of these could be both an input and output device?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a micro:bit?
Q2.What does an emulator allow you to do?
Q3.What is the process called when you move a program from your computer to the micro:bit?
Q4.What should you do if you want to change how your micro:bit program works?
Q5.Match each action to its purpose:
emulator
transfer
device
programming
Q6.Put these steps in order for testing and running a program on a micro:bit:
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: The micro:bit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: The micro:bit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Sensing movement with physical computing unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.