Introduction to Computer Programming with BBC Micro:bit
Course Description:
The course is designed for beginners and intermediate students of classes 6-8 to learn the basics
of programming with BBC Micro:bit. The program will focus on fun learning. The course is
designed to teach the concepts of Python Programming with the help of Block Programming.
The course will start with an assumption of zero programming skills of the students and develop
their logical thought process into robust programming skills.
The course is designed for 14 weeks on a fast track mode (1 semester). The course can be
extended for a complete year by elaborating on the contents of each week. There will be a series
of courses that will build on these concepts. The course will introduce the concepts of Block
programming using the Microsoft MakeCode platform. The platform is freely provided by
Microsoft. The course will start with the building blocks of programming concepts and slowly
integrate them into solving real-world problems. Each concept will be taught in sync with its
application to the development.
There are two types of programming concepts involved in this course.
1. Block Programming
2. Python Programing.
Junior kids will be taught only the Block programming while the seniors will learn both of
them simultaneously.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the working on BBC micro:bit
2. Programming with Microsoft MakeCode
3. Make exciting simulations of projects using BBC micro:bit
4. Learn how to program BBC micro:bit using Python and Scratch
Requirements:
1. Internet connection on any operating system (Windows/Mac/Linux)
2. HTML5 compatible browser (Chrome/Firefox/Safari)
3. Desire to explore new and simple ways of coding
4. Logical thought process to develop game controls.
Who are your target students?
1. Age 11 and above school students
2. Students who are willing to learn the first programming languages.
Course content:
Every week we will have 2-3 hour sessions.
Week No. Theoretical Concept Lab Experiment
1 Micro:bit Introduction MakeCode Introduction, Heart flashing, clear
screen, simulating button behavior.
2 LED, Current and Voltage, Glowing different patterns on an LED.
Showing different signals on the LED screen.
3 Algorithms Happy face, Sad face, simple mathematical
operation with programming, how to
comment code.
Assignment: Fidget cube.
4 Variables Constants and variables, Keeping scores,
Understand what variables Initialize and change a variable, show value
are and why and when to use of a variable, operations on multiple
them in a program variables,
Assignment: Scorekeeper game,
5 Conditional Statements Traffic lights, Add AND, OR, AND/OR
Learn how to use Logic “If- statements, Game situations.
then” and “if-else-then” Assignment: Rock Paper scissors
6 Iterations (Loops) Repeat process, Glowing repeating pattern,
For, While loops combine conditional cases with loops,
Assignment: Travelling light
7 Project – 1 One project based on the concepts taught to
date.
8 Coordinate Grid and LEDs Understand that the 5 x 5 grid of LEDs on the
micro:bit represents a coordinate grid with
the origin (0,0), Understand that the values of
the x and y coordinates, how to flash LED at
one location, create a unique program
Assignment: Random Patterns generator
9 Booleans Examples of Booleans in daily life, AND,
Learn how to create a OR, NOT logic, Booleans and Simplifying
boolean, set initial value, and codes,
change values. Assignment: Double Coin Flipper
10 Bits, Bytes, and Binary Binary numbers and their operations. Convert
Learn to count in Base-2 binary to decimal and vice versa.
(binary) and translate Assignment: Binary vending machine
numbers from Base-10
(decimal) to binary and
decimal.
11 Radio Communication Radio & Communication, Send Temperature
Understand how to use the values, send secret messages, Morse code,
Radio blocks to send and Assignment: Send your name as Morse
receive data between code:
micro:bits
12 Accelerometer Read Accelerometer readings for 3 axis,
Understand X, Y and Z make a decision based on shaking movement,
direction movements step counter,
Assignment: Electric Guitar.
13 Arrays Bubble sort, Selection sort, Insertion sort,
Sort a series of numbers Assignment: Sort a series of 10 numbers.
Recognize three common
sorting algorithms
14 Final Project A major project based on all the concepts
taught in the course.
Prepapred by : Manpreet Kaur
