Offboard components
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can name offboard components that can be added to a micro:bit.
Key learning points
- Micro:bit inputs include buttons, microphone and sensors for light, temperature, acceleration and magnetism (compass).
- Micro:bit outputs include the LED display and speaker.
- Additional outputs can be added to a micro:bit using the pins including LED lights, switches, sensors, LDR, buzzers.
- Tinkercad has offboard components in the circuits mode.
Keywords
Components - different parts of a product
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) - an input device that can control circuits through sensing light
Pins - connections on the edge of a micro:bit used to add offboard components
Tinkercad - an online computer aided design application
Offboard - components that can be attached to a micro:bit
Common misconception
Only battery packs can be attached to micro:bits.
A variety of inputs and outputs can be attached to a micro:bit.
Teacher tip
Having a class set of micro:bits available for pupils to handle will help with the explanations of input and outputs. Previous micro:bit unit (Year Four data logger cases) may be useful to build upon Tinkercad knowledge for this lesson.
Equipment
Laptops/Chromebooks with access to the Tinkercad website
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a loop of electrical components called?
Q2.What should you keep away from a circuit and the cells to keep yourself safe?
Q3.Which of the below is an example of an input component in an electrical circuit?
Q4.Which of these shows a push-to-make switch?
Q5.Which of the below can be used to create a push-to-make switch?
Q6.A buzzer has two wires; one is red. What is the colour of the second wire?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which of the below is a type of Micro:bit input component?
Q2.What do pins on a micro:bit allow you to do?
Q3.What is the name of the component that is not built on the micro:bit which can attach input components?
Q4.What is the name of an online computer aided design application?
Q5.What colour is a positive wire in Tinkercad?
To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Offboard components, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Offboard components, 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 Systems and control: sensor alarms unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.