micro:bit Halloween Project

This activity introduces students to wireless communication (radio) between devices by having them program two micro:bits to send and receive Halloween-themed messages such as “ghost,” “skull,” or “angry.” One micro:bit acts as a transmitter (sending messages when buttons are pressed), while the other acts as a receiver (displaying icons and playing sounds based on the message received). Students learn key computer science concepts including networks, event-driven programming, and selection (if/then logic), while engaging in a fun, interactive, and collaborative experience. The purpose is to deepen understanding of how devices communicate and respond to inputs, while encouraging creativity through customization of sounds, icons, and animations.

Grade Levels: 3 - 12
Subject Matter: Algorithms, Physical Computing, Programming, Cross-Curricular Integration: ELA
Concepts: Programs and Algorithms, Computing Devices and Systems, Data and Information
Standards: 3-5.PA.3, 6-8.CD.1, 6-8.CD.3, K-2.PA.1, K-2.PA.2, K-2.PA.3, K-2.PA.4, 3-5.PA.1, 3-5.PA.2, 6-8.CD.2, 6-8.PA.1, 6-8.PA.2, 6-8.PA.3, 3-5.DI.1, 6-8.DI.1, 6-8.DI.2, 3-5.CD.2, 3-5.CD.1, K-2.CD.2, 3-5.CD.3
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Materials

Activity Instructions

  1. Introduce students to the concept of a radio signals
    • Discuss examples they’re familiar with and predict how they work:
      • Walkie-talkies
  2. Review radio video
  3. Play “Halloween Project Introduction” from the BBC about this activity
  4. Transition to MakeCode
    • Open MakeCode
    • Click New Project
    • Demonstrate finding the “radio” blocks in the “radio” tab (Hint: the radio blocks are colored pink)
    • Go to Radio category
    • Add ‘radio set group’ block to the “on start” block
    • Set it to a number (e.g., 31)
      This is like tuning into the same walkie-talkie channel.
      TIP: Set Group & Channel: Always set a unique group number in “on start” to prevent interference, especially in classrooms. It might be best to assign and keep a list of assigned channels so groups know, and don’t accidentally select another channel.
    • Program Sending Messages (continue demonstrating for students)
      1. These are strings—text messages your micro:bit sends. Only one micro:bit will SEND spooky messages.
      2. Each of the sent message has the following components:
        • A purple input block that initiates the command (press ___) with the next four blocks nested inside
        • A pink radio send string “” with a description of what is being sent in the quotations.
        • A show icon block with the LED image selected
        • A pause block
        • Clear Screen
      3. Program the “on button A pressed”, “on button B pressed”, “on logo pressed” blocks:
      4. Program Receiving Messages
        • These blocks will allow the second micro:bit to listen, receive, and react to the first micro:bit’s messages
        • Program the following:
      5. Now test your spooky system!
        • Download code to BOTH micro:bits
        • Assign roles (sender vs receiver)
        • Press buttons on “sender” and observe reactions on “receiver”
      6. Debug & Improve
  1. Introduce students to the concept of a radio signals
    • Discuss examples they’re familiar with and predict how they work:
      • Walkie-talkies
  2. Review radio video
  3. Play “Halloween Project Introduction” from the BBC about this activity
  4. Transition to MakeCode
    • Open MakeCode
    • Click New Project
    • Demonstrate finding the “radio” blocks in the “radio” tab (Hint: the radio blocks are colored pink)
    • Go to Radio category
    • Add ‘radio set group’ block to the “on start” block
    • Set it to a number (e.g., 31)
      This is like tuning into the same walkie-talkie channel.
      TIP: Set Group & Channel: Always set a unique group number in “on start” to prevent interference, especially in classrooms. It might be best to assign and keep a list of assigned channels so groups know, and don’t accidentally select another channel.
    • Program Sending Messages (continue demonstrating for students)
      1. These are strings—text messages your micro:bit sends. Only one micro:bit will SEND spooky messages.
      2. Each of the sent message has the following components:
        • A purple input block that initiates the command (press ___) with the next four blocks nested inside
        • A pink radio send string “” with a description of what is being sent in the quotations.
        • A show icon block with the LED image selected
        • A pause block
        • Clear Screen
      3. Program the “on button A pressed”, “on button B pressed”, “on logo pressed” blocks:
      4. Program Receiving Messages
        • These blocks will allow the second micro:bit to listen, receive, and react to the first micro:bit’s messages
        • Program the following:
      5. Now test your spooky system!
        • Download code to BOTH micro:bits
        • Assign roles (sender vs receiver)
        • Press buttons on “sender” and observe reactions on “receiver”
      6. Debug & Improve

Tips for Running Activity

  • Set Group & Channel: Always set a unique group number in on start to prevent interference, especially in classrooms. It might be best to assign and keep a list of assigned channels so groups know, and don’t accidentally select another channel.
  • Power Levels: Adjust signal strength to increase range or lower it for debugging in confined spaces.
    Handle Data Types: You can send strings (text) or numbers. For complex data, consider sending simple number codes and decoding them on the receiving end.
  • Receive and Display: The on radio received block allows the micro:bit to wait for messages, which can then be displayed using show string or show number.
  • Don’t forget to download code to BOTH micro:bits
  • Connection to Networks – A network is just a group of devices talking to each other. Your micro:bits formed a tiny wireless network—sending messages, receiving them, and reacting.
  • Set Group & Channel: Always set a unique group number in on start to prevent interference, especially in classrooms. It might be best to assign and keep a list of assigned channels so groups know, and don’t accidentally select another channel.
  • Power Levels: Adjust signal strength to increase range or lower it for debugging in confined spaces.
    Handle Data Types: You can send strings (text) or numbers. For complex data, consider sending simple number codes and decoding them on the receiving end.
  • Receive and Display: The on radio received block allows the micro:bit to wait for messages, which can then be displayed using show string or show number.
  • Don’t forget to download code to BOTH micro:bits
  • Connection to Networks – A network is just a group of devices talking to each other. Your micro:bits formed a tiny wireless network—sending messages, receiving them, and reacting.

Exit Ticket Reflection Questions

  • How did your micro:bits communicate?
  • How did your code decide what to do?
  • What would you add to make it scarier?
  • How did your micro:bits communicate?
  • How did your code decide what to do?
  • What would you add to make it scarier?

Extension Opportunities

  • Create custom LED designs
  • Add animations instead of static images
  • Compose custom spooky music
  • Hide the receiver to surprise someone 👀
  • Create custom LED designs
  • Add animations instead of static images
  • Compose custom spooky music
  • Hide the receiver to surprise someone 👀

Answer Keys / Exemplars

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

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