Why micro:bit?
People who want to learn programming often ask which language they should learn first. I think MakeCode and the micro:bit is a fantastic way to learn to program because you’re not just programming on the screen but you can write programs that use the micro:bit sensors’ real data and respond to movement, light level, and gestures. It’s also really very easy to program the micro:bit if you’re using the MakeCode blocks, but you can also see the JavaScript code so that you can get an idea of what formal JavaScript looks like.
You can also do most of the programming exercises in this book though you do not have a micro:bit, because the simulator in MakeCode shows you exactly what the output will look like. The micro:bit doesn’t cost much, and the MakeCode software is free.
The micro:bit “Club bundle” contains 10 micro:bits with 10 USB cables , 10 battery holders and 20 x AAA Batteries or you can buy individual micro:bits.
Available from for example RS-online or Pishop.co.za or Deftech, at prices ranging from R199 to R400 each.
The latest version of micro:bit, V2, is backwards compatible with previous version of the micro:bit as well as software and equipment. V2 has more memory and a CPU upgrade, a higher power output of 200mA to accessories and the edge connectors have small indentations to stop clips slipping off.
English workbook to learn coding in MakeCode with the micro:bit
Table of contents in workbook
Workbooks are available at www.textbooks4u.co.za. Bulk discount and free training on Zoom for teachers who order our books for their classes.
Year plan
These lesson take about 90 minutes to complete. Each lesson explains new concepts and then learners have to write five or more programs. Learners need enough time to experiment and gain confidence. Depending on the amount of class time available, each lesson will be completed in one to 3 weeks.
Lesson 1
MakeCode interface
During this lesson you will learn
- how to open MakeCode,
- how to create a new project,
- the screen layout,
- how to save your project, and
- how to open an existing project.
Lesson 2
The micro:bit
During this lesson you will learn
- that a micro:bit is a small computer and
- which built-in components the micro:bit has:
- CPU and RAM
- light sensor, accelerometer
- Bluetooth/radio
- Temperature sensor
- USB-port and
- JST battery prop
- buttons
Lesson 3
The blue blocks in the Basic group
During this lesson you will learn
- about two data types: numbers and strings
- how to use several blue blocks from the “Basic” group in MakeCode to display numbers, words, and pictures on the micro:bit’s screen and
- how to use the Help feature for blocks so that you can test out on your new blocks. Do not be afraid to experiment.
Lesson 4
Flash a program to the micro:bit
During this lesson you will learn
- connect the micro:bit to the computer,
- transfer the hex file to the micro:bit,
- use the micro:bit with batteries.
Lesson 5
The pink C-blocks
During this lesson you will learn
- learn how to use the C-block that executes when the user presses button A,
- learn how to use the C-block that executes when the user presses button B,
- learn how to use the C-block that executes when the user presses button A and B simultaneously,
- learn how to use the “gesture” C-blocks “on Shake,”on tilt”,”on 3g/6g/8g “,”on logo up/down”and”On faceup/down”used
Lesson 6
Sensor readings
During this lesson you will learn
To read and display
- acceleration
- light intensity
- temperature
- tilt, direction and
- deviation of north
Lesson 7
Variables
During this lesson you will learn
- what a variable is,
- how to select a name for a variable,
- how to choose a data type for variables,
- how to create variables,
- how to set values in variables, and
- how to increase or decrease the value of the variables.
Lesson 8
IF-ELSE choices
During this lesson you will learn
- what condition blocks are,
- which symbols you can use in condition blocks,
- how to use the IF-then blocks with condition blocks,
- how to use the If then else logical choice blocks with condition blocks.
Lesson 9
Choices with more than one condition
During this lesson you will learn
- how to combine more than one condition with AND and OR,
- how to use the True/False data type
- how to use IF Else for many options
Lesson 10
Random numbers
During this lesson you will learn
- how to select a random number from an interval of numbers by using the random block from the Math Group
- how to randomly select True or false by using the random block from the Math Group
Lesson 11
Math Calculations
During this lesson you will learn
- how to use parameters with valid arguments,
- how to use “Math” blocks to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers
- how to use more than one Math block, keeping the correct order of operation in mind.
Lesson 12
Math Functions
During this lesson you will learn
How to use built-in mathematical function blocks in MakeCode to
- calculate the square root of a number,
- round down decimal numbers to the nearest integer,
- calculate the maximum and minimum of two numbers and
- determine the remainder when you divide an integer by another integer and
- how to use the “join” function to combine text strings.
Lesson 13
Control the LEDs with code
During this lesson you will learn
- what an array is and
- how to use the LED blocks In MakeCode to plot output on the micro:bit screen.
Lesson 14
Loops
During this lesson you will learn
- how to use the light green “loop” blocks in MakeCode to perform blocks repeatedly,
- how to build a string by adding to the string in a loop and
- how to calculate the maximum and minimum, total, and average of many numbers within a loop.
- two types of loops
Lesson 15
Nested loops
During this lesson you will learn
- how to use the light green loop blocks nested in each other.
Lesson 16
Built-in Music
During this lesson you will learn
- how to use the Music-blocks in Makecode to play sound through the micro:bit on your headphones.
Lesson 17
Write music
During this lesson you will learn
- How to use the play tone blocks in MakeCode to write songs
Lesson 18
User-written functions
During this lesson you will learn
- what a function is
- how to write and call a function without parameters
- how to write and call a function with one number as parameter
- how to write and call a function with one String parameter
Lesson 19
Send and receive radio signals
During this lesson you will learn
- about electromagnetic waves,
- wavelength,
- frequency, the electromagnetic spectrum, and
- radio waves,
- how to send and receive messages with a micro:bit with radio waves.
Lesson 20
Serial monitor
During this lesson you will learn
- what serial signals are,
- how to use the serial monitor, and
- how to view radio signals from a micro:bit on the serial monitor.
Lesson 21
Bluetooth
During this lesson you will learn
- how to install the App to code MakeCode projects on your phone or tablet,
- what Bluetooth is,
- how to “pair” the micro:bit with your phone,
- how to write a MakeCode project on your phone.
Lesson 22
Game blocks and Sprites
During this lesson you will learn
- what a Sprite is,
- about OOP or object-oriented programming,
- how to use the green GAME blocks in MakeCode to create sprites on the micro:bit screen and make them move.
Lesson 23
Games with more than one sprite
During this lesson you will learn
- How to use more than one sprite,
- how to test whether sprites touch each other,
- how to use the built-in “score,”
- how to use the built-in “lives,” and
- how to use the built-in “Countdown.”
Lesson 24
Game with two players
During this lesson you will learn
- how to split strings into substrings (shorter strings.)
- Use more than one micro:bit and radio messages to play a two-players a treasure hunt game.