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Session Description
Session Description
In this guided session, you will explore the elements of coding with MakeCode. You will learn the following:
- How to access MakeCode website and work in the environment
- How to create code that can be used to simulate smiles/sad faces, etc.
- How to save code from your device to your Micro:bit
- Create music, cardstock critters, or find projects of interest for your MakeCode
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to Get Started?
What is Micro:bit?
What is Micro:bit?
Agenda
Agenda
• What is it and why use it?
• What is it and why use it?
• How to start?
• How to start?
• Code & Create
• Code & Create
• Share the Code
• Share the Code
• Resources & MORE Projects
• Resources & MORE Projects
Insights from Chief of Global Engagement for the Micro:bit Education
Insights from Chief of Global Engagement for the Micro:bit Education
- Free project and curricular resources
- Micro:bit + Scratch cards are available on .
- Accessory catalog
- And lastly, this is one of my personal favorite books:
--Hal Speed, Chief of Global Engagement for the Micro:bit Education Foundation, TCEA Member
The BBC micro:bit is a small wearable and programmable device that has these components:
The BBC micro:bit is a small wearable and programmable device that has these components:
- a 5x5 LED display,
- accelerometer,
- compass,
- buttons,
- I/O pins,
- Micro USB plug,
- Bluetooth Low Energy antenna,
- ARM Cortex-M0 processor, and
- battery plug (Source)
Step 1 - Get Ready
Step 1 - Get Ready
Pick up your box of micro:bit components. You can find a list of all items in the document included in your bag. Below is a list of everything that should be in there:
- micro:bit — The brains of the outfit with a bunch of on-board components.
- USB micro-B Cable: This 6-foot cable provides you with a USB-A connector at the host end and standard B connector at the device end.
- Alligator Test Leads: A great way to connect individual components to the micro:bit ring connectors.
- Battery Pack: A AA battery pack with the JST connector that fits the micro:bit.
- Jumper Wires Standard 7in M/M: These are high-quality wires that allow you to make connections with components on the breadboard.
- Piezo Buzzer: BUZZZZ! Used to make different frequencies of sound.
- Small Servo: Here is a simple, low-cost, high-quality servo for all your mechatronic needs. (not included)
Step 2 - Plan with Pseudocode
Step 2 - Plan with Pseudocode
What do you want your program to do? The first step in writing a computer program is to create a plan for what you want your program to do. Write out a detailed step-by-step plan for your program.
Pseudocode is like a detailed outline or rough draft of your program. Pseudocode is a mix of natural language and code.
Step 3 - Code & Create
Step 3 - Code & Create
Let's take a moment to write our pseudocode for these activities. Then, we'll write the code in MakeCode for two activities (feel free to try it on your own). You also can get a copy of the hex code--the program--that controls what your micro:bit can do.
Let's take a moment to write our pseudocode for these activities. Then, we'll write the code in MakeCode for two activities (feel free to try it on your own). You also can get a copy of the hex code--the program--that controls what your micro:bit can do.
There are even MORE projects in the Resources, so you can try one of those.
There are even MORE projects in the Resources, so you can try one of those.
DO try something in the time you have.
DO try something in the time you have.
Project Options
Project Options
- Scroll Your Name
- Expressions for Robot Head
- Make Music with Micro:bit (Depends on your ability to read music)
- Create a Compass (Follow instructions, about 20 minutes)
- Create a "Dodge the Comets" Video Game
Step 4 - Save Code to Micro:bit
Step 4 - Save Code to Micro:bit
1. To save the code to the micro:bit, click on the disk image or DOWNLOAD button to the left of the screen. This will allow you to save everything to your computer, then copy it to your micro:bit device.
1. To save the code to the micro:bit, click on the disk image or DOWNLOAD button to the left of the screen. This will allow you to save everything to your computer, then copy it to your micro:bit device.
2. When the hex file has been saved to your computer, you can copy it to your micro:bit via the USB cable.
2. When the hex file has been saved to your computer, you can copy it to your micro:bit via the USB cable.
3. Copy the hex file saved on your computer to the micro:bit. Simply open the MICROBIT (just as you would a USB flash drive) then drag-n-drop the hex file as shown in the image right.
3. Copy the hex file saved on your computer to the micro:bit. Simply open the MICROBIT (just as you would a USB flash drive) then drag-n-drop the hex file as shown in the image right.
In a moment, your Micro:bit will automatically begin to run the program.
In a moment, your Micro:bit will automatically begin to run the program.
Windows user? Right-click and choose SEND TO then select MICROBIT.
Step 5 - Publish Your Code
Step 5 - Publish Your Code
Ready to share your awesome MakeCode hex file with others? Publish your hex code online.
Ready to share your awesome MakeCode hex file with others? Publish your hex code online.
1. Click on SHARE icon at top left of the MakeCode screen
1. Click on SHARE icon at top left of the MakeCode screen
2. Click the COPY button that appears, as shown below. Notice you have EMBED code in case you want to embed the code on a website
2. Click the COPY button that appears, as shown below. Notice you have EMBED code in case you want to embed the code on a website
Share your code in the TCEA MakeCode & Microbit Backchannel so others can see what you've accomplished (or not).
Share your code in the TCEA MakeCode & Microbit Backchannel so others can see what you've accomplished (or not).
Celebrate learning, whether it leads to success or failure.
Celebrate learning, whether it leads to success or failure.
Micro:Bit Resources & Project Ideas
Micro:Bit Resources & Project Ideas
Free Curriculum
Free Curriculum
- 14-week
- Intro to Computer Science course
- Middle School level
- CSTA Standards aligned
Micro:Bit Resources
Micro:Bit Resources
- Blog Entries, Social Media & Videos
- 3D Printing Projects for Micro:Bit: Combine 3D printing with the inexpensive micro:bit and some basic coding to take your printed creations to the next level.
- Video Series: Project Ideas
- Read the Quick-Start Guide for Teachers
- Free Microsoft Micro:bit Microsoft Education Community (MEC) Course
- Social Media
- Video Tutorials
Projects
Projects
Activity Directions (PDF)
Activity Directions (PDF)
This FREE book presents a series of activities to teach the basics of computer networks. While you will not learn all aspects of computer networking, we hope that it will serve as a good starting point. To network micro:bits, we use custom micro:bit radio to radio communication.
When one hears the word radio, what comes to mind is the radio that blasts out tunes from your favorite radio broadcasting channel. But, a radio, or a radio transceiver (transmitter/receiver), is used in communications to generate and receive radio waves that contain information such as audio, video or digital data. And all micro:bits have built-in radios1 .
Each chapter presents interesting challenges in radio communications and networking with micro:bits. After every few chapters, there’s an exciting game to look forward to! In the programming sections, you will use the JavaScript Blocks Editor at https://makecode.microbit.org/ to develop solutions to overcome those challenges2 .
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