Microcontrollers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can interact with the Tinkercad circuits workspace to create simple programs.
Key learning points
- Micro:bits are microcontrollers which can be programmed.
- Tinkercad circuits can be used to create programs for micro:bits.
- Tinkercad circuits can be used to simulate programs for micro:bits.
- Coding blocks can be used to create and simulate programs.
Keywords
LED - Light Emitting Diode
Tinkercad - an online computer aided design application
Workspace - area where objects are created and changed
Code editor - area where coding blocks are created and changed
Coding bocks - language used to write instructions to a computer
Common misconception
To test simple circuits, you need to create a physical representation of the circuits.
Like many CAD applications, Tinkercad can simulate circuit operation within the circuit workspace.
Teacher tip
Using our additional materials teachers can set up the Tinkercad classroom in advance.
Equipment
Laptops or chromebooks, Tinkercad classroom set up online.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do we do traffic surveys?
Q2.What does a data logger do?
Q3.What is a micro:bit?
Q4.What is one feature of a micro:bit?
Q5.Why do we annotate designs?
Q6.Match the key word to the definition:
a method to collect information
an electronic device that can collect information
notes added to diagrams
information such as numbers
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is Tinkercad?
Q2.To use a micro:bit in Tinkercad we need to create a new:
Q3.What does LED stand for?
Q4.Which coding block allows you to make your own designs light up?
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Microcontrollers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Microcontrollers, 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 design and technology lessons from the Simple programming and control: data loggers unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.