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Micro:bit Introduction Guide

Day 4 – A Teacher's Guide to Coding & Robotics with Micro:bit

This guide supports Day 4 of the DBE Coding and Robotics workshop. It introduces the Micro:bit hardware and the MakeCode editor so you can run Micro:bit activities in your classroom.

Prerequisites: Days 1–3 (Scratch and Arduino experience helpful but not required).
Platform: MakeCode for Micro:bit (free, runs in browser).

What is the Micro:bit?

The Micro:bit is a small, programmable computer designed for education. It has:

  • 25 programmable LEDs in a 5×5 grid (output and display)
  • Two buttons (A and B) for input
  • Built-in sensors: accelerometer (tilt, shake), compass (direction), temperature (on-chip)
  • Edge connector / pins to connect external components (motors, buzzers, extra sensors)
  • USB for connecting to a computer to program and power it
  • Battery option (2× AAA in a battery pack) for portable use

Why use it in schools? - Low cost and robust - Block-based (MakeCode) and text-based (Python) options - Strong curriculum links (coding, technology, science, maths) - Works in the browser; no installation required for MakeCode - Many free projects and lesson ideas online

MakeCode Editor

Getting Started

  1. Open: makecode.microbit.org
  2. New project: Click “New Project” and name it (e.g. “First Program”).
  3. Interface:
  4. Left: Block categories (Input, Logic, Loops, etc.) – similar to Scratch
  5. Centre: Coding area where you drag blocks
  6. Right: Simulator – shows a virtual Micro:bit; you can test without hardware
  7. First program: From “Basic,” drag “show leds” and draw a pattern. Click the pattern to toggle LEDs. Run in the simulator.

Key Block Categories (for Day 4)

  • Basic: show leds, show number, show string, pause, clear screen
  • Input: on button A/B pressed, on shake, on pin pressed, temperature, light level, compass heading, acceleration
  • Logic: if-then-else, comparison (<, >, =), and/or/not
  • Loops: repeat, forever
  • Variables: set, change
  • LED: plot x y, unplot, toggle (for more control than “show leds”)
  • Pins: digital write/read, analog write/read (for external components)
  • Radio: (Day 5) send number/string, on received – for Micro:bit-to-Micro:bit communication

From Screen to Device: Downloading and Flashing

  1. Connect the Micro:bit to the computer with a USB cable. It may appear as a drive (e.g. MICROBIT).
  2. Download: In MakeCode, click “Download” (bottom left). A .hex file is saved.
  3. Flash: Copy the .hex file to the MICROBIT drive (drag and drop, or “Save as” to the drive). The Micro:bit LED will blink; when it stops, the program is loaded.
  4. Run: The program starts automatically. Buttons A and B work on the device; the simulator does not control the physical Micro:bit.

Troubleshooting

  • Micro:bit not appearing: Try another USB cable/port; ensure it’s a data cable, not charge-only.
  • Download doesn’t run on device: Ensure the full file was copied and the drive was safely ejected.
  • Wrong program on device: Re-download the correct project and copy to the Micro:bit again (new program replaces the previous one).

Inputs and Outputs – Quick Reference

Type Examples in MakeCode
Buttons on button A pressed → do something
Sensors temperature, light level, compass heading, acceleration
LED grid show leds, show number, show string, plot x y
Pins digital write pin P0 to 1, analog read pin P0 (for buzzers, servos, external LEDs)

Managing Micro:bits in the Classroom

  • Storage: Label each Micro:bit (e.g. number or name) and store in a box or tray; same for USB cables and battery packs.
  • Pairing: Micro:bits remember the last program; if learners swap devices, they may get a different program until you re-flash.
  • Sharing: One Micro:bit per pair is often enough; rotate who downloads and who holds the device.
  • Simulator first: If devices are limited, do most of the coding in the simulator, then rotate who flashes to the real Micro:bit.
  • Saving work: Save MakeCode projects (name them); download and keep .hex files if you want to re-use the same program later.
  • Technology / Coding: Algorithms, sequencing, inputs and outputs, debugging.
  • Mathematics: Numbers, coordinates (LED grid), variables, conditions.
  • Science: Sensors (temperature, light), data logging (concept), experimentation.
  • Life Orientation / STEM: Problem-solving, collaboration, design of solutions.

Next Steps (Day 5)

Day 5 extends Micro:bit with radio, variables, and one larger project, then introduces Code Club and a mini Code Club session. Use this guide as reference when planning your first Micro:bit lessons or club sessions.

Last updated: For use with DBE Coding and Robotics Curriculum, Day 4.