BBC Micro:Bit Programming for Educators

We designed these worksheets to guide beginners around the MakeCode software. They also include helpful tips regarding programming techniques.

Introduction to Micro:Bit (.docx)

Introduction to Micro:Bit (.pdf)

This is an extension worksheet designed for those who need a further challenge during our introduction workshops.

Programming a Dice Worksheet (.docx)

Programming a Dice Worksheet (.pdf)

These worksheets provide the necessary programming to use the radio function to communicate live accelerometer data from a parachute/lander experiment to a computer.

Lander Programming Worksheets (.docx)

Lander Programming Worksheets (.pdf)

Lander Challenge Teacher Notes (.docx)

Lander Challenge Teacher Notes (.pdf)

As a primary school STEM workshop, we designed a worksheet for learners to use a Micro:Bit as a basic voltmeter in a conductivity experiment.

Conductivity Experiment Worksheets (.docx)

Conductivity Experiment Worksheets (.pdf)

We have also designed different challenge cards for Micro:Bit learning as part of our Aber Robotics Club curriculum.

Introduction to Programming a BBC Micro:Bit (.pptx)

Introduction to Programming a BBC Micro:Bit (.pdf)

Aber Robotics Club video for 'Introduction to Micro:Bits' (YouTube)

Using Variables and If Statements: Making a Virtual Pet (.pptx)

Using Variables and If Statements: Making a Virtual Pet (.pdf)

Aber Robotics Club video for 'Variables and If Statements' (YouTube)

Radio Communications: Multiplayer Dice Game (.pptx)

Radio Communications: Multiplayer Dice Game (.pdf)

Aber Robotics Club video for 'Communicating between Micro:Bits' (YouTube)

Pins and Extensions: Programming a Traffic Light (.pptx)

Pins and Extensions: Programming a Traffic Light (.pdf)

Aber Robotics Club video for 'Pins and Extensions' (YouTube)

Servos: Creating a Sound Meter (.pptx)

Servos: Creating a Sound Meter (.pdf)

Aber Robotics Club video for 'Servos' (YouTube)

It is possible to buy the boards, without any accessories, for £13.80 each

These starter kits come with a board, download cable (USB to micro-USB), 2 x AAA batteries, a battery pack, and a canvas pouch. These cost £16.50 each.

This club box contains the equivalent of 10 starter kits (without canvas pouches). This offers a slight discount for bulk buying at £162 per club box.

There are lots of component/sensor kits available on the market for home and education use. However, be aware that some adaptations may be required, mainly replacing connections with crocodile leads. Therefore, make sure that you have solder, a soldering iron, heat shrink, heat gun, and a wire stripper.

We discovered that SG90 9g Micro Servos work with a Micro:Bit, but require additional power than the standard battery pack provides. This means it needs to be connected to a power source via a USB to micro-USB cable - providing 3.6V instead of 3V. Warning: This may shorten the lifespan of the Micro:Bit.

This is one of the higher end robot kits available.

The Rover is a complex kit including rocking suspension, 6 individually motor-driven wheels, an ultrasonic sensor, 5 servos and battery pack. The kit requires assembly and does not include the Micro:Bit or batteries (4 x AA).

A block extension is available for this kit simplifying the programming process for the various components involved.

The kit can be purchased from 4tronix for £138 (including VAT).

We are fortunate to have this kit for our outreach, using it to link programming with space exploration, or simply to teach how to use the radio blocks to create a remote control.

This is a more affordable educational kit designed to learn about programming obstacle avoidance and line-following.

The kit includes an ultrasonic sensor, battery pack, and 4 RGB sensors for accurate line following. It does not include batteries (3 x AAA) or a Micro:Bit.

They can be purchased for £30.70 (including VAT) on The Pi Hut.