Using input and output
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write programs that use the output and input features of a physical computing device.
Key learning points
- Text and images can be displayed by physical computers using arrays of light such as the micro:bit's LED display matrix.
- Sensors can be used to create programs that respond to their environment.
Keywords
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) - a component that emits light when electricity flows through it
Hardware component - a physical part of a computer or device that helps perform its function, such as wires, buttons, or an LED display
Sensor - a device which detects or measures a physical property such as sound or light
Common misconception
The micro:bit can only show letters and numbers.
The micro:bit's LED display can show more than letters and numbers. It can show shapes, images, and patterns. The display matrix can be programmed to output any desired pattern.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to experiment with the micro:bit emulator in MakeCode before downloading code to the micro:bit. This allows them to test their programs and see the results immediately. Programs should be debugged regularly to test changes to programs as they are made.
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main function of the LED display on the micro:bit?
Q2.Which of the following is an input component on the micro:bit?
Q3.What is the purpose of the accelerometer on the micro:bit?
Q4.Where do you write programs for the micro:bit?
Q5.What is the main purpose of the emulator on the MakeCode editor?
Q6.How do you transfer a program from your computer to the micro:bit?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are pre-set icons on the micro:bit's LED display?
Q2.What is the purpose of the 'show leds' block in MakeCode?
Q3.What does the pause block do in a micro:bit program?
Q4.Which of the following statements about the micro:bit's LEDs is true?
Q5.What is the purpose of the forever block in MakeCode?
Q6.What is the approximate duration of a pause set to 100 milliseconds in a micro:bit program?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Using input and output, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Using input and output, 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.