If you are an innovator or an educator in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and wish to utilize the micro:bit for teaching subjects like robotics, computer science, and technology, this piece aims to offer you a comprehensive roadmap to master the micro:bit from scratch. Furthermore, it provides a plethora of course directions that seamlessly integrate with the micro:bit platform.
Official micro:bit Basic Course
The micro:bit official website (microbit.org) provides a wealth of learning resources, including a quick start guide, programming tutorials, conceptual explanations, sample codes, and projects. Through these resources, you can quickly grasp the fundamentals of operating the micro:bit. Each course comes with comprehensive materials, including a Course Workbook and accompanying materials. The examples provided include sample programs that can be directly utilized. Additionally, materials for student activities are provided in a worked example format, allowing for easy reference and implementation.
1. Introduction to micro:bit from Scratch
If you are new to using the micro:bit, it is recommended to explore the comprehensive course material offered by the official website. This course provides a thorough understanding of the basic structure of the micro:bit board and explores the functionality of various sensors and interfaces. Familiarizing yourself with these elements will greatly assist in identifying practical applications during the teaching process.
figure : meet the tiny computer
Course Learning Link : meet the tiny computer
Number of courses :19
Course description :
Introduces the BBC micro:bit and how it is the ideal tool for teaching computational thinking and computing in a creative way. It explores the main input and output features on the micro:bit, specifically the buttons and the LED display.
2. micro:bit and Computer Science Course
In alignment with the CSTA curriculum standards, this course explores fundamental programming concepts such as variables, conditional statements, loops, functions, and computer literacy. The Microbit can be seen as a miniature computer, providing students with a more intuitive understanding of essential concepts in computing, including input, output, and computation. Should you have any concerns about incorporating Microbit-based explanations of computer principles, you may consult the official course materials for guidance.
figure : let's talk about computing fundamentals
Course Learning Link : let's talk about computing fundamentals
Number of courses :15
Course description :
The course introduces several essential terms in computing and computational thinking. It elucidates the meaning of these terms, provides strategies for exploration in the classroom, and emphasizes their connections to existing knowledge.
Each lesson consists of a concise 5-minute video explaining a foundational concept. Subsequently, the application of Microbit is utilized to demonstrate how students can grasp these conceptual aspects more effectively through programming.
figure : what is Algorithms & sequence
Advanced micro:bit Themed Tutorials
Now that you have acquired a basic understanding of microbit and its functionalities, you can design tailored lesson plans based on students' age and skill level. Different thematic directions can be explored, such as STEM, Robotics, Science, and more. Below is a compilation of tutorials for various subject areas. These tutorials are part of a cohesive series of trusted PBL (Project-Based Learning) resources, offering an array of engaging projects for your reference.
Come and explore a multitude of exciting projects by integrating engaging micro:bit peripherals. Experience the joy of discovering new dimensions in this captivating micro:bit realm.
3. micro:bit and STEM Course
Explore how the sensors in microbit, such as the accelerometer, magnetometer, light sensor, and temperature sensor, can be utilized to collect data and solve real-world problems. You can also extend the learning by incorporating additional external sensors like the infrared motion sensor to create more intriguing smart home projects. Below are some project references that can be incorporated into STEM courses :
figure : microbit and STEM Course
Course Learning Link : Coding Start Kit Tutorial
Number of courses : 13
Course description :
Coding Start Kit Tutorial is a micro:bit-based programming course designed for kids in early primary school. It aims to introduce the basics of electronics and programming to students. The 13 coding-free BOSON modules used in the course allow students to transit from physical programming to real coding learning, laying the foundation of electronic basics for future study and enhancing their understanding of conditional statement and logic calculation. PBL teaching method is mainly used in the course. Students will learn by working together to build projects like automatic doors, speed adjustable fans, etc., by which to improve their problem-solving ability.
4. micro:bit and Robotic Course
Learning how to program microbit to drive motors and servo motors is crucial for constructing and controlling mobile robots. It brings a high level of interest and excitement for students as they can autonomously control robots to follow lines and accomplish designated tasks, turning their ideas into reality through programming. Below are some project references for conducting a robotics course with microbit:
figure : microbit and Robotic Course
Course Learning Link : microbit and Robotic Course
Number of courses : 7
Course description :
This tutorial provides a cost-efficient and fun way for primary and secondary school students to learn programming. The courses guide them to explore how to control a robot car Maqueen by coding, during which they will get to know the basics of robotics. Maqueen is a mini robot car intensively designed for STEAM education, small but powerful. It is developed based on the popular micro:bit board. Children can code Maqueen to play, learn and create so as to enhance their analytical and creative thinking skills, which is precisely what the original intention of STEAM education is.
If you're interested in exploring more fun robotic projects, you can browse the following link for a wide range of robot projects: https://edu.dfrobot.com/tag-42-1-1.html
5. micro:bit and Science Course
Utilizing microbit to collect experimental data, analyze, and visualize it supports scientific hypotheses and arguments. When designing a customized curriculum, ensure that it covers the necessary skills for students to achieve the learning objectives of the course. Arrange projects, hands-on activities, and assessments appropriately, allowing students to practice and demonstrate their acquired knowledge.
figure : microbit and Science Inquiry Course
Course Learning Link :
Build & Test Earthquake Proof Buildings
Number of courses : 6
Course description :
The design of this course primarily follows the scientific experiment process of background introduction, hardware tool demonstration, experimental operation, data recording, and conclusion. Through the process of conducting experiments, students will learn how to utilize microbit and sensors for exploring subjects such as Earth science, environmental science, and physics. Additionally, students can integrate their projects with school science fairs to visually present their thought processes regarding scientific principles.
6. micro:bit and Internet of Things Technology(IoT) Course
microbit offers wireless capabilities through Bluetooth and Radio, enabling interaction with other devices. By utilizing microbit's wireless functionality, students can communicate and connect with other hardware components, allowing them to embark on Internet of Things (IoT) projects. Additionally, they can integrate external Wi-Fi modules to establish communication with IoT platforms, enabling functionalities such as email sending and data visualization.
Figure : Send message to Twitter with microbit
Figure : Send message to Twitter with microbit
Table of Contents :
1. Weather forecast
2. Light and temperature monitor
3. Remote Watering System for IoT
4. Environmental monitoring and automatic ventilation system
5. Send an Email via IFTTT
6. Record notes to Evernote via IFTTT
7. Send Message to Twitter via IFTTT
8. Send cellphone sms via IFTTT
9. Automatic airer
10. Entrance guard system for IoT
11. Traffic flow analysis system for IoT and so on. Check details on product wiki page.
Course description :
This course focuses on introducing 11 intriguing Internet of Things (IoT) projects using the micro:bit and WiFi functional modules. It covers the usage of three commonly used IoT platforms, namely IFTTT, easyiot, and Beebotte, for data transmission and management. Additionally, it demonstrates how to interact with data through various means such as email, Twitter, Evernote, and cellphone SMS, enabling students to gain a better understanding of the world of interconnected technologies.
7. micro:bit and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Course
micro:bit serves as an excellent educational development board, yet it is unfortunate that it has certain performance limitations when it comes to implementing AI projects. However, we can enhance students' experience in AI application project design by combining micro:bit with cutting-edge AI functional modules. This approach allows students to explore the principles behind AI applications such as visual recognition and speech recognition, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation in these fields of AI.
Figure : micro:bit and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Course
Course Learning Link : micro:bit and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Course
Number of courses : 12
Course description :
The tutorial consists of 12 chapters with about 2 projects included in one chapter, in which students will explore how the AI Image Recognition technology is applied in everyday life by projects like face unlocking, AI camera, pet feeding, self-service checkout, target tracking, etc.
More:
Here is the link to the course that combines AI visual recognition with robotics latforms.
Designed for secondary school students with certain coding experience, this Maqueen Plus Advanced Tutorial contains 7 projects and 19 tasks. Clear and complete structures are arranged in every task such as, hardware function, material list, connection, knowledge field, project practice, etc., which can be directly used for classroom teaching. In the course, we combine HUSKYLENS with Maqueen Plus and Maqueen Mechanic Kit. Each task is independent but interconnected in the content. For example, in the project Vehicle Sharing there are three tasks: Unlock Maqueen Plus with Face, Pricing, and Set A Flag Bit to Realize Charging Reset. Each task realizes a function separately and the main project can be done when completing the functions of three tasks. Meanwhile, we choose Mind+ graphical programming, which allows students to implement complex projects through simple graphical programming languages.
This collection will be continuously updated, and I welcome discussions on any new micro:bit course requirements or directions you wish to explore.
