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In this tutorial, we take our first steps with MicroPython on the micro:bit by creating a simple dice that uses random number generation triggered by gesture control, all in 9 lines of code! What is MicroPython? Put simply： Micro Python is an implementation of Python 3 for microcontrollers. MicroPython includes a small subset of the Python standard library, but it is optimised to run on microcontrollers rather than microprocessors. MicroPython was created by Damien George and the first board to support the language was a crowdfunded board called PyBoard. What is micro:bit? The micro:bit is a microcontroller board created by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) in partnership with 29 companies (ARM, CISCO, Code Club, Microsoft, Python Software Foundation.) The goal of the partnership was to create a platform for children to learn with and the various partners provided expertise in software, hardware, manufacturing and producing content to support the micro:bit...

I was asked for our school’s latest INSET day to devise a half-hour session which I would repeat during the day for all teaching staff on the fairly loose topic of sharing good practice / sharing our classroom activities. Now I was fairly sure that 30 minutes was not going to be long enough for me to introduce much interesting in the way of Computer Science or code for a group of teachers who had never experienced it before, so I began to think about what I could deliver. My thoughts turned to some of the Computational Thinking lessons we do with our students as they are accessible and don’t require the use of a computer. The fact that I was going to deliver a session on sharing good practice from my teaching and that it would not involve any tech other than a projector and presentation, would no doubt come as a shock to some of my colleagues! So I began to look at the different resources we use with our KS3 students and also had a look through the Google Computational Thi...

The BBC, in their first digital literacy project since the 1980's, recently gave Year 7 students (aged 11-12) in the UK a tiny single-board computer called the  micro:bit . It has a 5x5 grid of LEDs, two buttons, plenty of sensors, and not much memory (16K) or processing power (16 MHz). Thankfully, that's still plenty enough computer to have some fun with. Playing snake on the micro:bit To me, the 5x5 LEDs looked like they might display a small game of Snake. All I had to do was figure out the input. I originally used the accelerometer to control the snake by tilting the device, but it lacked the speed and precision of a good Snake game. What I really wanted was a way to move the snake in four directions using the two A/B buttons. If you know binary, you'll know that two on/off values gives us four possible combinations. Of course, one of the combinations is off/off meaning no buttons are pressed. For this case, I decided it was most natural to have the snake c...

In 2016 – as part of the BBC’s Make it Digital initiative – the micro:bit was given free to millions of pupils across the UK in a bid to address the growing skills shortage in our technology sector. It was hoped, that this ingenious little device would inspire digital creativity in a new generation of tech pioneers. But just what is it? Put simply, the BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized, codeable computer packed with features. It boasts an ARM-built processor, a motion sensor, built-in compass, USB port, 25 LED lights, buttons, and Bluetooth technology. So, the micro:bit can be used to create all sorts of things.   The benefits of using micro:bits in the classroom Technologies are just another tool in the teachers box, but one that can be used in very innovative ways to inspire and educate children.   Boost engagement With endless possibilities when it comes to what it can be used for, the whole purpose of the micro:bit is to inspire higher levels of engage...

This tutorial will show you how to program and build a desk ornament that lights up. These lights change colors over the course of an hour. You will also learn how to program and build an accompanying door sign that lights up. You can use the door sign as decoration or as a way to let others know you are on the phone or busy :) https://youtu.be/pM8fj86rxj8 Step 1: Gather Supplies You will need: TECH Two battery packs Two  micro:bits  - if you get the micro:bit go bundle, it includes a battery pack 1 meter Neopixel LED light strip Alligator clips Jumper wires Access to soldering iron and solder (optional - but best for long term use) AESTHETIC (you can use different materials for a different looking desk ornament or door sign) Duck Tape Thin wood for laser cutting - I found some at my local craft store Cardboard gift box - I found this at my local craft store Glass light bulb shaped cup Shadow box Styrofoam Frosted spray paint for glass light bulb ...

Teachers: learn the basics for teaching your students to code with the micro:bit using MicroPython. Hardware components BBC micro:bit board Story https://youtu.be/-z87k9_CnoA Introduction In part one of our micro:bit series, we learned about the hardware, and in part two, we learned how to code using Javascript blocks with the micro:bit. Today, I will be covering the basics of coding with MicroPython. I will focus mainly on using the micro:bit’s LED display. I will start by walking through a simple code and how it works. I’ll show you where to find common MicroPython commands used in coding and then we will walk step by step through writing the code to measure temperature with your micro:bit. There is so much more that you can do with the micro:bit than what we will cover in this video. At the end of this lesson I will include a list of resources including the reference guide to MicroPython, lesson plans, and written code for you to use in your classroom. Why Learn P...