New
New
Year 4

Micro:bit programs with variables

I can create, simulate and download a simple Micro:bit program.

New
New
Year 4

Micro:bit programs with variables

I can create, simulate and download a simple Micro:bit program.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Coding blocks are used in Tinkercad to create programs.
  2. Programs have to be downloaded onto the micro:bit.
  3. A variable is a place to store data in a program.

Keywords

  • Program - list of instructions to a computer

  • Coding blocks - language used to write instructions to a computer

  • Variable - a place to store data in a program

  • Debugging - finding and solving problems in a program

Common misconception

Micro:bits can work on their own by being connected in a circuit

Micro:bits have to have a program downloaded before being connected into a circuit


To help you plan your year 4 design and technology lesson on: Micro:bit programs with variables, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Provide coding blocks for pupils to use, ensure electrical equipment is safe to use. Please see the additional materials for the example program used in the lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Laptops/chromebooks, micro:bits, battery packs, USB leads, internet access to Tinkercad

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
A complete loop that goes from one side of a cell to the other is called a ...
program circuit
Correct answer: series circuit
season circuit
Q2.
Why are zinc carbon cells often used more frequently in schools?
They don't short circuit
Correct answer: They are less likely to short circuit than other cells
They are more likely to short circuit than other cells
Q3.
How would you describe the switch in this circuit?
An image in a quiz
Open
Correct answer: Closed
Correct answer: On
Off
Q4.
Which of these are resources needed to make a simple switch?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q5.
Which of these describes a switch in a circuit?
an input that breaks a battery
Correct answer: an input that breaks a circuit
an input that breaks a bulb
an input that breaks a lead
Q6.
Which of these is not good safety advice when working with electrical circuits?
We will connect the battery packs last when completing the circuit.
Our water bottles will be kept away from the tables.
We will follow our teacher’s instructions carefully.
Correct answer: We will disconnect the battery packs last when finished.

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a computing program?
a list of components in a computer
Correct answer: a list of instructions to a computer
a list of circuits in a computer
Q2.
What type of coding blocks will need to be set up to represent a different type of data set?
inputs
basic
Correct answer: variables
Q3.
What do you click to test a micro:bit program in Tinkercad?
code
send to
Correct answer: start simulation
code editor
Q4.
Debugging a program means to ...
find problems in code.
solve problems in code.
Correct answer: find and solve problems in code.

Additional material

Download additional material