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Micro:bit Project Templates

Day 4 Project Ideas and Step-by-Step Outlines

Use these as classroom-ready project ideas for Micro:bit Part 1. Each can be adapted for time and ability.

Project 1: Name Badge (Beginner)

Time: 15–25 minutes
Learning objectives: show leds, show string, on start, optional: button to switch message

Steps

  1. New project in MakeCode; name it “Name Badge”.
  2. on start: Add show leds and draw a simple pattern (e.g. smiley or star). Add show string and type your name (or “Hello, I’m [Name]”).
  3. Test in simulator. Adjust pattern or text if needed.
  4. Optional: Add on button A pressed → show string "Coding!" and on button B pressed → show string "[Your name]". So: start shows pattern + name; A shows “Coding!”; B shows name again.
  5. Download and flash to Micro:bit. Wear as a badge or display on desk.

Extensions

  • Add a second language (e.g. “Hello” and “Sawubona” on different buttons).
  • Use show icon for a favourite animal or subject.
  • In class: learners design their own badge and share with a partner.

Project 2: Dice (Beginner–Intermediate)

Time: 20–30 minutes
Learning objectives: on button pressed, random numbers, variables (optional)

Steps

  1. New project “Dice”.
  2. on button A pressed: Add show number and pick random 1 to 6. Add pause 200 so the number is visible.
  3. Test in simulator: Click A several times; you should see numbers 1–6.
  4. Optional – score: Create variable score. on start set score to 0. When A pressed: change score by pick random 1 to 6, then show number score. on button B pressed → show number score (show total) or set score to 0 (reset).
  5. Download and flash. Use as a real dice for a board game or maths activity.

Extensions

  • Two dice: A = first die (1–6), B = second die (1–6); learners add them for maths.
  • show leds to draw dice faces (1–6 dots) instead of numbers.
  • Link to probability in maths (how often does 6 appear?).

Project 3: Step Counter (Intermediate)

Time: 25–35 minutes
Learning objectives: on shake (or gesture), variables, show number, reset

Steps

  1. New project “Step Counter”.
  2. Create variable steps. on start set steps to 0.
  3. on shake: change steps by 1, then show number steps (briefly). Or use on gesture tilt left (or freefall / logo up) if you want a different trigger.
  4. on button A pressed: show number steps (display current count).
  5. on button B pressed: set steps to 0 and show string "Reset".
  6. Test: Shake (or tilt) a few times, press A to see count, press B to reset.
  7. Download and flash. Discuss: real step counters use similar ideas (accelerometer data).

Extensions

  • Add a simple goal: if steps ≥ 10, show icon (e.g. happy) and play a sound if available.
  • Compare with a real pedometer or phone step counter; discuss accuracy and calibration.

Project 4: Light Meter / Dark Detector (Intermediate)

Time: 20–30 minutes
Learning objectives: light level (sensor), conditions, repeat/forever

Steps

  1. New project “Light Meter”.
  2. forever: show number light level and pause 500. Run in simulator (use light slider) or on device (cover and uncover the Micro:bit).
  3. Improve: Use if light level < 50 then show icon (moon) else show icon (sun). So: dark = moon, light = sun.
  4. Optional: Three levels: dark (moon), medium (cloud?), bright (sun) using if – else if – else.
  5. Download and flash. Use to compare “dark” in different places (under desk, by window).

Extensions

  • show number for light level when button A pressed (so screen isn’t always changing).
  • Link to science: light and plants, or data logging (concept – we could record values).

Project 5: Simple Robot “Brain” (Concept + Optional Pins)

Time: 20–40 minutes (depending on hardware)
Learning objectives: Pins (optional), planning inputs and outputs, robotics idea

Steps

  1. Discussion: What should our “robot” do? Example: “When I press A, it goes; when I press B, it stops.” Or: “When it’s dark, show a light; when it’s bright, turn off.”
  2. In MakeCode: Implement the “brain” part:
  3. on button A pressed → e.g. show icon "go" or set variable running to 1.
  4. on button B pressed → show icon "no" or set running to 0.
  5. If using pins: digital write pin P0 to 1 when “go”, digital write pin P0 to 0 when “stop” (for a motor driver or LED).
  6. Test in simulator (and on device if you have motor/LED on P0).
  7. If you have a buggy/robot kit: follow kit instructions to connect Micro:bit and run this program.
  8. Plan for class: List what you’d need (Micro:bits, batteries, buggy kits, time) to do this with learners.

Extensions

  • Add a sensor: e.g. “when light level < 30, go (night mode); when light > 200, stop.”
  • Build a cardboard “robot” that holds the Micro:bit and discuss where motors or LEDs would go.

General Tips

  • Simulator first: Always run in the simulator before flashing; saves time and device use.
  • Names: Save projects with clear names (e.g. “Dice – Maths Grade 4”) so you can reuse them.
  • Differentiation: Name badge and Dice for beginners; Step counter and Light meter for intermediate; Robot brain for those ready for pins and planning.
  • DBE links: Technology (inputs/outputs, algorithms), Maths (numbers, random, data), Science (sensors, light, temperature).