Introducing the BBC micro:bit (3-5)

In this activity we are going to explore the hardware of a micro:bit. Students will be introduced to physical hardware of the micro:bit and sensors, identifying opportunities for input and outputs.

This activity is intended to be used to introduce students to the physical hardware of a micro:bit. For maximum success with this lesson the micro:bit should not be plugged into a power source (no batteries / computer). Additional time should be allotted to establish the classroom management processes for distribution, collection, assembly, and proper use in your classroom

Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Subject Matter: Physical Computing
Concepts: Computing Devices and Systems
Standards: 3-5.CD.1, 3-5.CD.2, 3-5.CD.3
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Materials

Main Lesson Plan

  1. Introduce the micro:bit to your students by showing this video: Introducing the BBC micro:bit – BBC Make It Digital
  2. Start this activity by having students explore the physical device of a micro:bit – this means do not plug the micro:bit into the computer or battery pack.
  3. Students should explore the micro:bit using a magnifying lens and looking for markings on the front and back. Have students share what they notice during this time.
  4. Display the annotated poster individually, or for the whole class, and discuss as a class the features of the micro:bit. 
  5. After students have explored the micro:bit for a few moments, review the vocabulary terms input and output.
    • Input: Data sent to a computer for processing, such as button presses & sensor reading.
    • Output: the information computers give to users, devices, or other computers.
  6. Watching the BBC micro:bit Input / Output video Input and output devices
  7. Ask your students if they can point to any inputs and outputs from the video on their micro:bit.
  8. If time permits, check for student understanding by having students label the parts of the BBC micro:bit in either the paper microbit labelling worksheet.pdf or digital Label V2 Microbit
  9. Conclude by demonstrating your local class collection process for the micro:bits.
  1. Introduce the micro:bit to your students by showing this video: Introducing the BBC micro:bit – BBC Make It Digital
  2. Start this activity by having students explore the physical device of a micro:bit – this means do not plug the micro:bit into the computer or battery pack.
  3. Students should explore the micro:bit using a magnifying lens and looking for markings on the front and back. Have students share what they notice during this time.
  4. Display the annotated poster individually, or for the whole class, and discuss as a class the features of the micro:bit. 
  5. After students have explored the micro:bit for a few moments, review the vocabulary terms input and output.
    • Input: Data sent to a computer for processing, such as button presses & sensor reading.
    • Output: the information computers give to users, devices, or other computers.
  6. Watching the BBC micro:bit Input / Output video Input and output devices
  7. Ask your students if they can point to any inputs and outputs from the video on their micro:bit.
  8. If time permits, check for student understanding by having students label the parts of the BBC micro:bit in either the paper microbit labelling worksheet.pdf or digital Label V2 Microbit
  9. Conclude by demonstrating your local class collection process for the micro:bits.

Tips for Running Activity

  • Investing time into having students learn the sensor and features that make the micro:bit remarkable enables students to have a greater understanding of what the micro:bit is capable of and increases their creative potential when designing their own projects.
  • Need guidance on micro:bit, we’ve created this FAQ.
  • Investing time into having students learn the sensor and features that make the micro:bit remarkable enables students to have a greater understanding of what the micro:bit is capable of and increases their creative potential when designing their own projects.
  • Need guidance on micro:bit, we’ve created this FAQ.

Elements of this resource were created by BBC micro:bit, then curated by the team at Nextech.

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