Connecting micro:bits to other hardware
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write programs that enable physical computing devices to interact with external hardware and communicate wirelessly with other devices.
Key learning points
- Use external components to extend functionality.
- Control external hardware components using programs and GPIO pins.
- Use wireless communication to send and receive messages.
Keywords
GPIO pins - General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices
Circuits - is a complete path that electricity can travel through. It’s like a loop that lets electric current flow
Wireless - the transmission of data between devices without using physical cables or wires
Common misconception
Sending and receiving radio signals broadcasts to all devices that have radio capability.
A radio channel can be set which means that only devices on that same channel will receive those broadcasts.
Teacher tip
Bring in a variety of external components (e.g. LEDs, buzzers, motors) and allow students to explore them. Discuss how these components can extend the micro:bit's functionality and enable the creation of more complex projects.
Equipment
Pupils will need wires, an LED and a device with block-based programming software that can be used to program a physcial controller. Examples use Microsoft MakeCode https://oak.link/makecode
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these terms to their correct definition.
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
Q2.What would “playing a sound” be classified as?
Q3.LED stands for Light-Emitting .
Q4.What does GPIO stand for?
Q5.Which block allows you to select between two possible outcomes based on whether a condition is met or not?
Q6.Put these steps in order to store a program on a micro:bit so it can be run without the emulator.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why would you want to connect external components to a micro:bit?
Q2.What do we mean by the term “closed circuit”?
Q3.What is the name of the pins that allow you to control hardware components with a micro:bit?
Q4.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?
Q5.What type of signal is used to send data between two micro:bits wirelessly?
Q6.Match the terms to the correct descriptions.
the physical components of a computer
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
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Connecting micro:bits to other hardware, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Connecting micro:bits to other hardware, 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 3 computing lessons from the Physical computing using the micro:bit unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.