Micro:bit in the classroom

Mar 8, 2019 at 10:08 AM by Michael Furdyk

How do you plan to use micro:bit in your classroom? We're excited to hear all about it!

58 Replies

Andrew McDonald
Mar 14, 2019 at 10:01 AM

Hello everyone,

I was thinking about using the microbit as a student picker.  

Putting all they students names into an array and then picking their names for tasks. Using the blocks one can make it that students won't be repeated during the cycle. 

Larissa Aradj
Mar 14, 2019 at 10:10 PM

This is a great idea, Andrew! There are so many possibilities!

Marsha Dorscht
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:14 AM

That is a fun idea. I can definitely see the students enjoying that. 

Emily Sturgeon
Aug 28, 2020 at 4:45 PM

As I am brand new to this, I will begin at the beginning... with some of the activities that were suggested.  I love the idea of linking coding to multiple subjects such as phys. ed. and math.  I think I'll also try some health and safety related ideas around covid 19 and the necessary 2m distancing.

Jonathon Butler
Sep 8, 2020 at 11:35 PM

Great idea Andrew. I wonder if there is anyway to broadcast or connect it to an external monitor or LED series if you make a DIY large Micro:bit with some LEDs? Just a thought, not even sure if it's possible.

Larissa Aradj
Mar 14, 2019 at 10:44 PM

Hi everyone!

For beginning stages, I think I'm going to have the students explore the Micro:bits and get an idea of how to do all of the basics and we will probably begin with coding the rock, paper, scissors games. Once they are comfortable and able to work independently with the Micro:bits and software we can move on to more complex tasks. 

My grade 4s are studying light and sound in science and I think there is a lot of potential for them to use the Micro:bits to explore and create devices or prototypes to demonstrate their learning about light & sound. My first thought it for them to maybe create a sound/light signal to improve safety at school, home or in their community. I still have to work out what this might look like since this is all brand new to me. Any suggestions or other ideas welcome! 

Thank you for the great learning!! 

Andrew McDonald
Mar 15, 2019 at 4:47 PM

Sound and lights would be neat.  Sort of like a traffic light for the hallway?  Would be interesting to use the LED as a light sensor to detect if someone is close. 

Marsha Dorscht
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:14 AM

So many good ideas. Thinking that connecting them to make a bigger display would be neat.

Joe Archer
Mar 19, 2019 at 1:22 PM

Oh I like this idea too!

Gerry Corrigan
Mar 27, 2019 at 1:36 PM

Excellent ideas Larissa. It is great that you will be able to introduce physical computing to the students at such a young age.

Halana Stangolis
Mar 18, 2019 at 9:35 PM

To begin, I would have my class explore the MakeCode program and complete a few modules to develop their familiarity and confidence with the program. My grade 6s are currently studying Space in Science and it would be a neat opportunity for them to use the micro:bits to study the conditions of the class and compare them to space.  Connections can then be made to math as they graph the data. Later in the year, we can use the micro:bits during our Flight unit.

Darek
Mar 19, 2019 at 12:13 AM

That sounds great Halana, I've found the MakeCode website very easy to use with students. 

Sarah Pryor
Mar 18, 2019 at 10:47 PM

I really like the idea of creating interactive stories using a micro:bit. So far our Grade 3 class has used three post-it notes where each post-it has part of an original story written on it and the writing ends with a suspenseful ‘Push A’, for example, where the student has coded the micro:bit  to display an image or a repsonse to that part of their story. They will also do this for the other two buttons: B and A+B 

Marsha Dorscht
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:18 AM

That's a neat idea to incorporate it into their story-telling. We've done some coding in scratch to tell stories, but I like how the kids are making it more interactive by having to press a button at different parts to add to their narrative. Gets me thinking about how I can work it into creating a breakout of some sort. 

Barb Seaton
Mar 19, 2019 at 4:06 PM

I love this idea! What a nice way to incorporate literacy!

Andrea Payne
Mar 19, 2019 at 10:34 PM

Love this idea Sarah! I'd love to have your students share their interactive stories with my students once we get going. Perhaps we could reciprocate and make some stories for your students as well?

Sarah Pryor
Mar 21, 2019 at 7:50 AM

Bien sur. Je pense encore comment le faire un peu plus loin. Right now we have been building a cardboard structure that I am pondering how to microbit it (ha, microbitting as a verb!)

Also, when we head out on our next Junior Water Walkers walk on March28th, I want the students to have the microbits in their pockets and ready to use as thermometers...and and and

Jonathon Butler
Sep 8, 2020 at 11:27 PM

Great idea. I've done choose your own adventure book with makey makey before. I'm sure it could easily be modified to work with the micro:bits.

Amy Organ
Mar 21, 2019 at 10:46 AM

What a wonderful idea!

Jocelyn
Mar 18, 2019 at 11:18 PM

Hi everyone! Larissa, thanks for sharing this info on Twitter... it was a lot of fun to work through the Modules! I'm pretty happy that I figured out how to make my Micro:bit count the Heads and Tails that were "tossed."

As a former Music teacher (who works as a Digital Literacy Consultant now, but will likely be back in a Music class again someday!), I can't wait to explore many of the sound and music options that are available with Micro:bits. I would love to see if there's any way to actually create an accurate tuner for students to use in an instrumental class! Thanks for creating this bit of fun, TIGed!

Darek
Mar 19, 2019 at 12:15 AM

Hi There, 

I plan on using Microbits to get my students interested in coding. Most of the work they have done so far has all been on a computer so this will be a great way to show them how coding can be implemented and how it works with other kinds of objects. 

Our grade 3's are currently learning about structures I can see how they can connect these microbits to the bridges they are building to act like signs for information. 


Thanks for sharing this learning. 

Gerry Corrigan
Mar 27, 2019 at 1:37 PM

For sure. Making the leap to physical computing will get the kids really excited and start to see the uses for small programmable devices everywhere.

Marsha Dorscht
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:11 AM

Very excited to get microbits into the classrooms I work with. In particular one of the grade 7 groups I work with will be working on building structures, and the teacher wanted to incorporate some coding into the activity, so I was thinking they would build their structures and then create flashing signs for their buildings with advertisements or the name of their "store, restaurant, etc."

Also, we've been using coding to do a lot of storytelling and I really like that the microbit might help move us into doing some more math coding, the probability activity has sparked a light in me to use more of the variables and operations. Definitely can't wait to explore more. 

Annika Pint
Mar 19, 2019 at 10:38 AM

Use two Micro:bits to create a race timer in which the light sensor of the first Micro:bit is triggered when a student-designed and -constructed vehicle passes the "gate", causing the ambient light to decrease temporarily and a timer to start. When the vehicle passes the second Micro:bit, the light sensor will be similarly triggered and the timer will stop, although I might need to create a shield of some sort around the Micro:bit. Knowing the distance between the two Micro:bits, and using the "Radio" feature to allow the Micro:bits to communicate with one another about the elapsed time, the average speed of the vehicle can also be calculated tools in the "Math" and "Functions" drawers. 

Sarah Pryor
Mar 21, 2019 at 7:53 AM

Neat explanation, thanks. Are you using k-8 (@InkSmith) as the vehicle? 

Gerry Corrigan
Mar 27, 2019 at 1:40 PM

Hi Annika,

Great minds think alike!  I swear I did not view your posting before making mine.  I am also going to use the micro:bits to measure and compare race cars on a track. Maybe we can go boardwide with such an event!  

Wilma Cheung
Mar 19, 2019 at 11:17 AM

We grow plants for ecology and space in Grade 9 science. So I would love to code the microbits to monitor growing conditions so they have a better idea of what conditions are ideal for plant growth. Similar experiments can be extended to Grade 11 biology. I also like the idea of the infection activity to demonstrate the idea of virus infections moving through a population and perhaps demonstrating the idea of immunity or vaccination in herd immunity. 

Megan Roome
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:52 PM

A student in my class last year used the Soil Moisture Make Code tutorial to program a micro:bit to monitor our Tamotosphere plants. Great way to monitor growing conditions!

Martha Jez
Mar 19, 2019 at 12:35 PM

***REPOST*** from @Dan who posted the below response in a different thread: 

I teach a grade 4/5 split and have been experimenting with Micro:bits in small group settings as I only have 10 of my own personal Micro:bits to use with my students. We use them as a way to enhance our science units - this year we incorporated them into our cardboard arcade games. Students used them as score keepers or to scroll messages across the LED's for the person playing their game. 

I have borrowed 30 more Micro:bits from another school to use with our Gr. 1/2 classes during their exploration of insulation and temperature - part of their learning about Canada's north. My grade 4/5 class will be programming the Micro:bits to display temperature and then helping their little buddies to measure the temperature inside and outside of their structures which have different types of insulation in them.

I am always looking for new ways to use the Micro:bits and I hope to add more to the number I have on hand to use with my students.


Dan
Mar 19, 2019 at 12:58 PM

Hey sorry I posted before I was able to post on this discussion - there was no reply button when I finished my course - maybe a glitch on my end. I have since copied my post to this discussion. Thanks!

Joe Archer
Mar 19, 2019 at 1:24 PM

There is a fantastic watering program you can run and create to ensure all plants are hydrated effienciently, also add in a speaker for an alert and or alarm to let students know when planet needs to by hydrated! 

Add in a survo motor, straws for a maker style project that ties into the aforementioned.....adapt program; if 'this' then survo turns and flips straw to pull water from cup and self waters the plant that needs to be watered.

Dan
Mar 19, 2019 at 2:23 PM

Very cool!

N Tucker
Mar 19, 2019 at 12:40 PM

I will use the Micro:bit to further explore the UN Global Goals and to promote self-regulation with the Zones of Regulation. I am also experimenting with it to explore the health of the classroom environment conditions.

Barb Seaton
Mar 19, 2019 at 4:11 PM

Maybe your students could code a count down timer as part of their self reg. work. You could monitor the temperature and light easily -nice tie in to data management as well!

Dan
Mar 19, 2019 at 12:51 PM

I teach a grade 4/5 split and have been experimenting with Micro:bits in small group settings as I only have 10 of my own personal Micro:bits to use with my students. We use them as a way to enhance our science units - this year we incorporated them into our cardboard arcade games. Students used them as score keepers or to scroll messages across the LED's for the person playing their game. 

I have borrowed 30 more Micro:bits from another school to use with our Gr. 1/2 classes during their exploration of insulation and temperature - part of their learning about Canada's north. My grade 4/5 class will be programming the Micro:bits to display temperature and then helping their little buddies to measure the temperature inside and outside of their structures which have different types of insulation in them.

I am always looking for new ways to use the Micro:bits and I hope to add more to the number I have on hand to use with my students.

Joe Archer
Mar 19, 2019 at 1:21 PM

So many options to explore! 

One of my personal favourites is adapting the step pedometer slightly for a flossing counter. The kids love love this porject, I would tie it into math by creating charts for all the students. Also create a timer that counts down with another micro:bit at 30 seconds (kids go crazy flossing for 30 seconds and track how many flosses they did). Then we analyze the data from each student, track given ages and sex and see if the boys and or girls get bragging rights!

Chelsea Tucker
Mar 19, 2019 at 2:37 PM

I am planning to using Microbit to promote computation thinking, and problem solving skills. As well, I want to use Microbit to promote literacy - coding the microbit to randomly generate sight words, and letters to practice phonetic awareness and reading skills. I think the scrolling of the letters for the words would be a good a tool to get students to practice decoding letter by letter.

Megan Roome
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:53 PM

I've done the step counter before, but I love this idea!! I'll definitely be using it, thanks!

Wendy
Mar 19, 2019 at 3:46 PM

I plan to use the microbit to engage students to practice zones of regulation, integrate maker stations to create prototype projects using the Dragon's Den process requiring students to create simple machines from original ideas.  Also, to encourage girls to focus on STEM as well as introduce them to new discoveries through science, technology, engineering and math.  I also hope to prepare my students for 21st Century learning and equip them with skills to apply for our future.  They are our future generation and will make a huge impact in the world..

Greg Ryerson
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:10 PM

Sounds awesome Wendy! I would love to hear more about what your students are able to come up with.

Dwight Robinson
Mar 19, 2019 at 4:15 PM

I am planning to incorporate computational thinking into my physics class.  I want to start by having the students use the micro:bits as timers for calculating speed, then linked timers where one master timer starts many with the radio, but they are stopped individually.  Then I hope to use them to measure the acceleration of falling objects, on ramps, and as a pocket accelerometer when running, jumping, etc.


I am sure more ideas and opportunities to incorporate them will come up.

Greg Ryerson
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:12 PM

Sweet. I keep thinking I want to look into a way to use the bits to create something to measure who wins a race, or something to that effect. Almost like a light gate. Or maybe simply using the accelerometers. 

Elizabeth Cavers
Mar 19, 2019 at 6:44 PM

My Grade 4 class experienced coding during Hour of Code this year, and they have been experimenting with some of the basic micro:bit features. Now, I am looking forward to using some of the more advanced features of the micro:bits with my class. The project suggestions listed at the end of this course have me excited to learn more about the radio features, and more about creating a compass.

More immediately, I will be sharing the "Heads or Tails," "Roll the Dice," and "Rock Paper Scissors" games with my class, and challenging the students to create their own games.

Megan Roome
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:58 PM

The probability games go over really well, I find! My elementary coding club recently created a "Sorting Hat" program very similar to "Rock, Paper, Scissors", so that we could sort ourselves into our Hogwarts Houses. Great for those Harry Potter fans :)

Greg Ryerson
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:09 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm really looking forward to using micro:bits to introduce my students to coding and computational thinking. I've been looking at the Chill Out project resource on the Lemelson-MIT site and would like to complete that (in which the students would build insulated coolers) and then use the micro:bits to monitor the temperature of the cooler, which would provide nice data to discuss its effectiveness.

After that, I want to look into the micro:bit global challenges and use my Science lessons to allow students to develop solutions to real world problems, as they related to the SDGs.

Matt Parsons
Mar 19, 2019 at 7:26 PM

I really like how Micro:bits provide a hardware compliment component to the software components that students learn by coding.  The use of Rock Paper Scissors and Flip a Coin are great student created tools for learning about probability.  Not only do they learn about tossing a coin but they learn the computational thinking and creating random results.  For intermediate students, the opportunity to attach components to the Micro:bit open up further learning.  I want to explore creating a water meter to sense when we need to add more water to a plant.

Nadia Camara
Mar 19, 2019 at 9:10 PM

I am so excited to try this out with all my classes. The first idea is to get the students used to simple coding (flipping a coin or paper rock and scissors) and once they are confident challenge them to make a better conductivity tester. Something similar to the banana piano and have students use it as a conductivity tester. This could be used in grade 9 properties of matter or even grade 11 chemistry as a conductivity tester to identify unknowns. 

Andrea Payne
Mar 19, 2019 at 10:33 PM

I'm really looking forward to get my students using microbits! Working in a French Immersion classroom, vocabulary and oral language practice are really important, so I am loving using the idea of a "Headbandz" style game, where the student programs a vocab word/object name for their partner's microbit "headband"and then they have to describe it to the person wearing the headband without using that key word until their partner guesses the word. We already play this game often, so it would be such an awesome way to include the tech into the game and keep students engaged. Thanks for all the ideas!!

Andrea Payne
Mar 19, 2019 at 10:37 PM

Another thing I just thought about:
I'm wondering about having a student who is on the spectrum with low verbal skills program their microbit to show how they're feeling with the happy or sad face, or to respond to a prompt. Just an idea....

Sarah Pryor
Mar 21, 2019 at 8:01 AM

Yes and with 3 programmable buttons you can do: YES, NO and I DON’T KNOW.  Is there a clever way to go beyond thhhree responses? That ask is for anybody who is reading the thread, please and thanks.

Vincent Benard
Mar 19, 2019 at 11:46 PM

I support teachers in the use of/including technology in their classes/courses.  My focus is helping them move from merely blinking lights but to go into the world of physical computing.   I want to show them that this can be easily achieved and some truly wonderful, coding, designing, problem solving and critical thinking opportunities are close at hand.  Making what's next by presenting real world scenarios and challenging the students to provide solutions is truly inspiring!

Guiding the teachers through this is critical as they often express the need for additional guidance.   A kit would allow me to pre-build examples to show them and conjure up some inspiration in them!

Angela Smith
Mar 20, 2019 at 8:16 AM

I was hoping to use the micro:bits to help extend the student’s existing skills in scratch to physical hardware coding! And see what ways we can use the sensors (like in science and phys Ed)


Laura Loria
Mar 20, 2019 at 11:04 AM

I am hoping to get them to connect Scratch and Micro:bit projects.

Angela Smith
Mar 22, 2019 at 9:58 PM

I hope to maybe get there eventually. Kinda tricky with Chromebooks I heard.

Mark Walters
Mar 20, 2019 at 9:09 AM

We have use Micro:Bit in our Grade 4 math classroom to create Digital Multiplication Flash Cards

We would like to incorporate them into other courses as well such as Science.  What a great way for students to learn about the various phases of the moon and be able to code them on the led screen.



Sarah Pryor
Mar 21, 2019 at 8:04 AM

Neat...I will relay this idea and try it as well, thanks!

Laura Loria
Mar 20, 2019 at 10:51 AM

Hi,

I have started implementing the micro:bits in my class we used the temperature sensor to read the temperature for our Weather unit in Science. In math I can get students to create projects for Probability experiments (dice/ coin flip/ etc.). I had students create their own projects (dances, sorting hati- they are really into Harry Potter) and I put them in display for parents to see during parent teacher interviews.

Link to the Sorting Hat Project

https://makecode.microbit.org/...

Kate Wilson
Mar 20, 2019 at 12:25 PM

I plan on incorporating it into my maker space for exploration and as a tool to use for completing curriculum connected assignments.  I'm really wanting to have an invention convention and see what the kids will come up with!

Whitney Pye
Mar 20, 2019 at 1:00 PM

I am really looking forward to using the micro:bits in my science 4-6 classroom. I have been looking around for ideas on how to incorporate it. i was looking at ways to make an instrument with it as part of our sound unit. I've seen one made with the makey makey. our school currently dont have any of those. wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to do this with the Micro:bit?

Susan Barton
Mar 20, 2019 at 1:15 PM

Hello everyone!  I have been using the microbit in my space unit with grade 9s.  They did the phases of the moon and then made videos in their portfolios where they used their microbits to explain the phases of the moon.  I will also be using them in Health Science for students to code different heart arrhythmia.  Lastly I plan on using the microbits for students to make circuits and to make a frustration game to understand current electricity.  The students are so engaged when we do activities.  I teach French Immersion and we all do coding in French - I love that the website is available in two languages.   At first I was nervous about integrating coding into my other subjects, but once the students understood the basics, it was easy to find ways to integrate it. I love the lessons that the website provides as well.  

Megan Roome
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:55 PM

"I love that the website is available in two languages" - Agreed! Coding can be easily used during a French Literacy Block this way!

michael chmatil
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:44 PM

In science class we are hoping to use these to test collisions - creating a cushion system that does not trigger the accelerometer (shake effect).

Make a scavenger hunt (T/F) activity with lab equipment (based on pushing button A or B) that will display a code for students based on the answer they pick  - students will solve the puzzle. 

Use the math functions to create programs to simulate the calculations we are doing in class.  Create an abacus on the screen (one button for add, one for subtract, shake for reset) using base 2, 3, 4 when we study number systems.  

And of course students will get into coding (will be helpful for robotics work that we do! Plus all the great ideas that have already been shared. 

Megan Roome
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:46 PM

I've already begun using micro:bit in my grade 5 classroom this year. So far we've created a thermometer for our weather unit, made a snowglobe animation for CSEd week, and decorated our door with digital snowflakes for a door decorating contest. I also use micro:bit with my elementary coding club. This past week we used the Make Code tutorial for "Reaction Time" to make our own reaction games. Later this year I also plan on using micro:bit with our Body Systems Science unit to create a heart rate display & step counter to explore the relationship between respiratory and circulatory systems, and the Reaction Time game to explore the nervous system and how we respond to different stimuli! I've attended some interesting PL sessions over the past year which were helpful. I look forward to learning more from this forum as well! :) 

Maureen Mui
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:55 PM

I'm the teacher-librarian at my school and run introduction sessions to different technologies/robotics (Lego WeDo, Edison robots, Scratch, primary coding, etc).  I would run some introductory Micro-bit sessions with students (grades 3-5) on the different features of the Micro:bits and have them create different display messages and randomizers.  Once the students have a general understanding of the Micro:bit, the older students in the elementary school (grades 6-7) can combine the Micro:bit with MakeDo (cardboard maker kit) to create arcade style games that incorporate the Micro:bit is some way.

Matt Parsons
Mar 24, 2019 at 5:58 PM

Arcade games remind us that play allows students to learn and for us to teach and assess.  Building games can do even more.

Sanne Lansink
Mar 20, 2019 at 4:46 PM

I teach coding to all the Elementary kids at our school. Usually, we use online programs or robots that we share with the division. Having a Micro:bit in our classroom would make coding more exciting and would display the students creativity. 

Ray Mercer
Mar 20, 2019 at 11:33 PM

My students will soon start exploring how to grow plants and different types of soil. We will start this by reading something like Jack and the Bean Stock. Then I plan on having them use the temperature and light sensors as well as creating a moisture sensor to collect data about the growing conditions for the bean stocks they will try and grow. 


H Ting
Mar 21, 2019 at 1:52 AM

Last year we created carnival-like games for our unit on data and probability, and it was a huge hit. I'm looking forward to seeing how students will incorporate the micro:bits into their games. 

Monika Kuligowska
Mar 21, 2019 at 10:25 AM

I honestly believe that implementing coding tools like micro:bit into the classroom opens up an exciting avenue for students to explore and grow in coding, and think outside of the box! 

From the responses I've read below, it seems like many educators already have incredible ideas on how to use micro:bit.  
Mathematics stands out to me most - I personally feel like probability will "probably" be more fun (see what I did there) with micro:bits as opposed to just tossing a coin, or dice, or using cards. The process of coding the micro:bit and then using it allows students to explore following instructions, trial and error, and eventually reach the learning goal.

I'm also a huge advocate for students exploring and creating their own ideas - I would mostly be fascinated to see what my students can create using the micro:bit after some classroom exposure to ways it can be used. Apart from this, I can foresee opportunities for student leadership. By allowing my students to gain confidence in using micro:bits independently, they will be able to be leaders in the school and share their knowledge with their peers. Even hosting workshops for other classes to join us in our classroom and learn from their peers as opposed to just teachers on what a micro:bit is and how to use them! 

The possibilities are truly endless.

Something I would like to develop is a way to use micro:bit in the French classroom either through sounds (music), or using the micro:bits for games.

Amy Organ
Mar 21, 2019 at 10:45 AM

I can't wait to use micro:bits to teach procedural language! I can give an example of instructions and get my class to follow them. Then they can create a code, write the instructions, and get a classmate to follow them!

Dawn Frier
Mar 21, 2019 at 2:44 PM

I love the lesson on infection to simulate an infection outbreak.  I also would like to use the probability options with the randomization tools to use in Math. 

Margo Foster-Cohen
Mar 21, 2019 at 5:16 PM

I am looking forward to using micro:bits with my Enrichment Classes. I teach grades 4 - 8 students and I know my students will enjoy the creativity that this device encourages within the world of coding. I have done other types of coding with my classes, but the micro:bit is amazing in the way that it provides a hands-on component and brings coding into the real world. I would like to experiment with the music features. I would also like to challenge students to find creative ways to incorporate them into makerspace activities. I appreciate the many tutorials and additional challenges that are part of the software. These tutorials provide a great variety of self-directed learning activities and suggestions for more complex projects. I have students who like coding in Python and would like to try it in the Microbit environment, so it is exciting to have that option.

Christina Mueller
Mar 21, 2019 at 10:12 PM

I am currently in a kindergarten class and we have been working with different coding tools independently and also with our older student buddies.

We began using Microbit as a tool for children to create patterns (A/B and shake with geometry shapes. two students help me create the code and design the shapes using the LEDs. they will begin to share their work with the class and demonstrate how to use the coded activity.

we are planning on using it to code a step counter and also a speed/distance tracker

we created the dice game to use for multiple activities

we would like to create a code for children to participate in a physical activity. for example. randomly display numbers and the children have to do that many of an exercise.ie jumps, spins, toe touches...

Evan Cole
Mar 22, 2019 at 3:17 AM

I would like to use micro:bits as a tool for my math students to design experiments and collect data from them to investigate as part of their statistics unit.

Bryan Strong
Mar 22, 2019 at 9:54 AM

I plan to use the micro:bit in my classroom in two ways:

1) would be to use the shake function and have a random letter of the alphabet appear. The students would then say the letter and the sound.

2) For students who have difficulty with their letter recognition I would continue with the shake function where the letter would appear. With a speaker attachment the letter name and sound would be stated and the student would repeat.

Ken Ealey
Mar 22, 2019 at 9:58 AM

To use the micro:bit in my class, I would use it as a self regulation tool. To do this I would use the tilt functions and depending on my students moods they would show happy. sad, mad, and confused. This would help myself understand how to better support my students and their feelings throughout the day.

Karina Tulk
Mar 22, 2019 at 7:03 PM

I am planning on using these to display french words as flash cards. The students can make random words scroll on the display and possibly have a counter of how many words they got correct by using the buttons to pick correct or incorrect for each answer.

MaryK Layes
Mar 23, 2019 at 7:14 PM

Hi, 

Just learning more about coding and microbits. Continue to look for ways to implement this tech so that there is authentic learning and not just a novelty item. 

We are going to be using them with Let's Talk Science and the Living Space Program. 

We have used them to record temperature in our environments and will use them to measure moisture levels in our tomato plants that we received from Tomotosphere program. 

Will think of ways to implement to promote STEM within the classroom

MaryK Layes
Mar 23, 2019 at 7:23 PM

Also came across this: 

https://twitter.com/stulowe80/...

Owen Horn
Mar 25, 2019 at 10:24 AM

I plan on hopefully using this as a "take home" project for students. Something to get them fiddling with code at home. Not sure how I will constrain it yet (i.e. give them a week to come up with a 2 player game, etc.). I think having students thinking about computer-based solutions and working on them outside of the classroom is one of the best things we can do as educators to push students to the next level.

Andrew Hann
Mar 25, 2019 at 10:37 AM

I would love to use this in a cross curricular class between physics and computer engineering in our school.  I could see the accelerometer being used in physics experiments.

Christopher
Mar 25, 2019 at 7:36 PM

There seems to be some great attachments that connect to pins on the Micro:bits. In class we could use the built in tools of the compass, display screen, shake/tilt feature. The further excitement might be in  Grade 6 electricity for simple circuits, input and output. Grade 8 science could use them in Geography and Science such as programming Micro:bits to make a warning system to alert of an earthquake if shaken/tilted. Could also be a flood warning device if water rises to trip a straw connected to a switch.  Maybe design a safe and accessible traffic intersection where the micro:bits changes the traffic lights?  Micro:bit would help with merging the subjects of math, science and geography together.

Kathleen Honeywell
Mar 25, 2019 at 8:49 PM

Hi all!

I teach Core French and I'm thinking of using the Micro:bit to assign groups to students i.e. you are in group A/1/Smiley face etc. This way its a fun way for kids to find out their randomized groups.

Dave Lanovaz
Mar 26, 2019 at 7:48 PM

I'm hoping to use the micro:bit to have students explore the concepts of probability. They will make games involving probability and play each other's game.

I'm also thinking about how they can be used for students to explore linear relations.

Gerry Corrigan
Mar 27, 2019 at 1:28 PM

First, I plan to use micro:bits to meet grade 7 expectations in probability whereby students will create a small challenge or game for other students to use. Students will upload their game and then give the micro:bit to a challenger. 

I would also like to use them in combination with IR sensors to measure the speed of toy cars racing down  a track. A timestamp is taken as the car passes one gate , a second timestamp is taken as it passes another gate and then the speed is calculated through the code (the radio transmission could be useful in this project too). This will help me meet grade 7 math number sense expectations .

I larger idea is to use the micro:bits as a controller for a 3D printed rover. Using Tinkercad, the students can custom design the chassis of a rover and 3D print it. There is a prop of the micro:bit available in Tinkercad that makes it much easier to guide. Here are some videos that  inspired the idea.

  

Shelby Totten
Mar 27, 2019 at 10:15 PM

I am a teacher librarian and I plan to introduce the Micro:bits as a centre in the library learning commons.  I will likely begin with having the students explore the and complete the modules online.  Once they've completed a few I would encourage them to see what they can program themselves. 

Julia Pretty
Mar 28, 2019 at 5:32 PM

Hi Everyone, 

I'm teaching in a K-12 school and right now I'm trying to incorporate microbits into my Elementary and Junior High Science and Math Classes, as well at an after school coding club for Gr 2-5.  My grade 9 Science class coded steppers as part of a Lets Talk Science Project we are participating in and I'm hoping to use microbits with my grade 6 students for monitoring temperature as we begin growing our tomato plants soon.  Over the last month or so at our coding club we've started getting familiar with the microbit, coding messages (kindness messages), flashing images and we've played rock paper scissors.  

Valia Reinsalu
Mar 28, 2019 at 11:13 PM

As part of my STEM & library/media role I can use the micro:bit to motivate and engage reluctant learners by reading instructions and hands-on creations. With intermediate students we can use the world’s largest lesson sustainable development goals microbit lesson for safety etc. The micro:bit and math will be incorporated as a tools in the primary coding club and also since we rotate through three stations, can be used to assign to the initial station on our first session...(we have six groups of a three least 28 students per group groping this roughness a four session club) this year as a pilot.

Cheers, Valia

Maureen McGroarty
Mar 31, 2019 at 2:19 PM

We've had students follow the tutorials to become familiar with the basics.  Excited to have them apply computational skills to code micro:bits as step counters and add some textile work to create wearable fitness tech :)

Sabrina Bélair
Apr 6, 2019 at 11:00 AM

Je faisais déja de la programmation avec mes élèves, avec Scratch.  En utilisant Makecode, ils seront beaucoup plus motivés.  Je l'utiliserais comme podomètre puisque nous allons marcher tous le jours.  Et je l'utiliserais pour les aider a écrire les mots de vocabulaire correctement.  J'en ferais un jeu.  (Désolée des oublis d'accents sur certaines lettres, je n'utilise pas un claiver standard).  J'ai déja très hâte de les utiliser!

Andrew Forgrave
Aug 29, 2020 at 9:45 AM

I have had success using the "Photo and Craft Keeper" by Recollections available from Micheals art supplies as a way to organize a set of Microbit and related bits. Each 4x6 photo box has enough space to hold a microbit, usb cable, battery pack, and 2 alligator clips as a base kit for a student or a pair of students. 

Jonathon Butler
Sep 9, 2020 at 4:32 PM

I've used other robotics & coding devices in centers and as passion projects. I think you can give students a few mini lessons and guide them as they create their own programs. It has always surprised me what students have come up with.
Additionally, I think coding clubs are great ways for developing computational thinking in the larger school community and build collaboration across grades.