micro:bit Wearable Step Counter

This introductory lesson is a great way to begin exploring how computational tools collect, store, and display data. In this beginner activity, users gather data by counting the number of “shakes” detected by the micro:bit. In grades 6–12, students will build on this foundation by using the BBC micro:bit’s more advanced data logging tools to collect and analyze data.

Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Subject Matter: Physical Computing
Concepts: Computing Devices and Systems, Programs and Algorithms
Standards: 3-5.CD.1, 3-5.CD.2, 3-5.PA.2, 3-5.IC.1
  • Average Rating: 0.0 (0 ratings)

Materials

Assessment Opportunities

  • Can students explain how the variable “steps” stores and updates?
  • Can students identify and fix issues (e.g. false positives, missed shakes), and document the steps they took to debug?
  • Can students describe how this project could be adapted, scaled, or used in other real-world contexts?
  • Can students explain how the variable “steps” stores and updates?
  • Can students identify and fix issues (e.g. false positives, missed shakes), and document the steps they took to debug?
  • Can students describe how this project could be adapted, scaled, or used in other real-world contexts?

Extension Opportunities

  • Challenge students to Improve the code with one of these ideas:
    • Modify the code so it shows your current step count when you press a button.
    • If you find that the code only counts every other step, modify the code to multiply the ‘steps’ variable by two when it’s displayed.
    • Measure the length of your average stride and get your micro:bit to multiply this by the number of steps to calculate the distance you’ve walked.
  • Challenge students to Improve the code with one of these ideas:
    • Modify the code so it shows your current step count when you press a button.
    • If you find that the code only counts every other step, modify the code to multiply the ‘steps’ variable by two when it’s displayed.
    • Measure the length of your average stride and get your micro:bit to multiply this by the number of steps to calculate the distance you’ve walked.

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

Learn More