Description

Meet the Micro:bit 

The micro:bit is a handheld, programmable micro-computer that can be used for all sorts of cool creations, from robots to musical instruments – the possibilities are endless. 

It can be coded from any web browser in Blocks, Javascript, Python, Scratch and more; no software required. 

Micro:bit is widely used in schools around the world, from Finland and Iceland to Singapore and Sri Lanka. There are already dozens of fantastic activities and lesson plans geared towards primary through to secondary school teachers and a vibrant and active community of educators around the world sharing new projects almost everyday. 

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Micro:bit Hardware 

While it might be a small package, the micro:bit has all the features you need to code awesome stuff - the possibilities are endless! 

 A micro:bit has the following physical features: 

• 25 individually-programmable LEDs 
• 2 programmable buttons 
• Physical connection pins 
• Light and temperature sensors 
• Motion sensors (accelerometer and compass) 
• Wireless Communication, via Radio and Bluetooth 
• USB interface 

LEDs: The micro:bit has 25 individually-programmable LEDs, allowing you to display text, numbers, and images. 

Buttons: There are two buttons on the front of the micro:bit (labelled A and B). You can detect when these buttons are pressed, allowing you to trigger code on the device. 

Pins: There are 25 external connectors on the edge connector of the micro:bit, which we refer to as 'pins'. Program motors, LEDs, or other electrical components with the pins, or connect extra sensors to control your code! 

Light Sensor:  By reversing the LEDs of the screen to become an input, the LED screen works as a basic light sensor, allowing you to detect ambient light. 

Temperature Sensor: This sensor allows the micro:bit to detect the current temperature of the device, in degrees and Celsius. 

Accelerometer: An accelerometer measures the acceleration of your micro:bit; this component senses when the micro:bit is moved. It can also detect other actions, e.g. shake, tilt, and free-fall. 

Compass: The compass detects the earth's magnetic field, allowing you to detect which direction the micro:bit is facing. The compass must be calibrated before it can be used. 

'Calibrating' the compass ensures the compass results are accurate. When the calibration begins, the micro:bit will scroll the instruction "Tilt to fill screen". To calibrate the compass, tilt the micro:bit to move the dot in the center of the screen around until you have filled up the whole screen. 

Radio: The radio feature allows you to communicate wirelessly between micro:bits. Use the radio to send messages to other micro:bits, build multiplayer games, and much more! 
 
Bluetooth: A BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) antenna allows the micro:bit to send and receive Bluetooth signals. This allows the micro:bit to wirelessly communicate with PCs, Phones, and Tablets, so you can control your phone from your micro:bit and send code wirelessly to your device from your phone! 

Before using the Bluetooth Antenna you will need to pair your micro:bit with another device. Once paired, you can send programs wirelessly to your micro:bit. 

USB: The USB interface allows you to connect the micro:bit to your computer via a micro-USB cable, which will power the device and allow you to download programs onto the micro:bit. 

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Learning Objectives

In the next module we’ll introduce you to MakeCode, the website and block language used to write programs for the micro:bit and will review how to download and install these programs on a micro:bit so that you can use all its incredible functionality.  

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Continue to Module 2: Introduction to MakeCode »