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Lesson 5 of 8
  • Year 6

Input and output design decisions

I can choose inputs and outputs for my micro:bit alarm system.

Lesson 5 of 8
New
New
  • Year 6

Input and output design decisions

I can choose inputs and outputs for my micro:bit alarm system.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A micro:bit alarm could include onboard inputs such as an accelerometer, magnetometer or light sensor.
  2. A micro:bit alarm could include offboard inputs such as a photoresistor or push-to-make switch.
  3. A micro:bit alarm could include onboard outputs such as an LED display or speaker.
  4. A micro:bit alarm could include offboard outputs such as buzzers or LED lights.
  5. Design decisions need to be made as to what a designer wants the micro:bit to do.

Keywords

  • Onboard components - different parts of a product that are already built into a micro:bit

  • Offboard components - different parts of a product that can be attached to a micro:bit

  • Accelerometer - a device that measures how quickly something is speeding up or slowing down

  • Design decisions - the choices made when creating a product

Common misconception

Sensors on a micro:bit work automatically.

Micro:bits need a program to control the sensors.


To help you plan your year 6 design and technology lesson on: Input and output design decisions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Consider what resources the school has to be able to offer the pupils before providing them with the opportunity to consider their choices.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Laptops/chromebooks, micro:bits, battery packs, USB leads, LED lights, wires, crocodile clips, offboard componetns can all be displayed for choices but this is optional.

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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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is an input in an electrical system?

a component that displays something
Correct answer: a component that changes something
a component that stores energy

Q2.
Which of these is an output in an electrical system?

Correct answer: a component that displays something
a component that changes something
a component that stores energy

Q3.
What is the role of a light-dependent resistor (LDR)?

Correct answer: to detect light levels
to display visual output
to emit sound

Q4.
What is an example of an onboard input for a micro:bit?

buzzer
LED light
Correct answer: microphone

Q5.
What is an example of an offboard input for a micro:bit?

Correct answer: LDR (light-dependent resistor)
LED display
speaker

Q6.
What should you have a basic understanding of before programming a micro:bit?

artistic concepts
Correct answer: electrical circuits
historical events

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is an example of an offboard output for a micro:bit?

Correct answer: buzzer
accelerometer
push-to-make switch

Q2.
Which component is an onboard input for a micro:bit alarm?

buzzer
Correct answer: microphone
Correct answer: accelerometer

Q3.
Why is it important to choose the right inputs and outputs for a system?

to add more components
Correct answer: to ensure the system works correctly
to make it look nice
to make it the right colour

Q4.
What are design decisions?

the colours we use when creating a product
the shapes we make when drawing a product
Correct answer: the choices we make when creating a product