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
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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
  5. Open MakeCode
  6. Click New Project
  7. Demonstrate finding the “radio” blocks in the “radio” tab (Hint: the radio blocks are colored pink)
  8. Go to Radio category
  9. Add ‘radio set group’ block to the “on start” block
  10. 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.
  11. Program Sending Messages (continue demonstrating for students)
    • These are strings—text messages your micro:bit sends. Only one micro:bit will SEND spooky messages.
    • Each of the sent message has the following components:
      1. A purple input block that initiates the command (press ___) with the next four blocks nested inside
      2. A pink radio send string “” with a description of what is being sent in the quotations.
      3. A show icon block with the LED image selected
      4. A pause block
      5. Clear Screen
    • Program the following actions to send:
      • On button A pressed → send ‘angry’

      • On button B pressed → send ‘skull’
  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
  5. Open MakeCode
  6. Click New Project
  7. Demonstrate finding the “radio” blocks in the “radio” tab (Hint: the radio blocks are colored pink)
  8. Go to Radio category
  9. Add ‘radio set group’ block to the “on start” block
  10. 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.
  11. Program Sending Messages (continue demonstrating for students)
    • These are strings—text messages your micro:bit sends. Only one micro:bit will SEND spooky messages.
    • Each of the sent message has the following components:
      1. A purple input block that initiates the command (press ___) with the next four blocks nested inside
      2. A pink radio send string “” with a description of what is being sent in the quotations.
      3. A show icon block with the LED image selected
      4. A pause block
      5. Clear Screen
    • Program the following actions to send:
      • On button A pressed → send ‘angry’

      • On button B pressed → send ‘skull’

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

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