That Blue Square Thing - Key Stage 3 Computing

This is an archived page. It's probably got quite a lot of old stuff on it and may be quite out of date.

Micro:bit Programming

Micro:bits are small, programmable computing devices which were sent to schools by the BBC back in the day. They can be used to teach basic programming.

The block editor is a simple way to learn programming ideas. There are lots of projects with tutorials and an emulator - so you don't actually need a micro:bit.

The microbit block editor – use this link to get to the editor

The Python editor is closer to "proper" programming. But you do need a micro:bit to be able to use it.

The Python editor – use this link to get to the editor

Part 1 – Algorithms:

What are algorithms? – slides from class

Algorithm Report task

Part 2 – Programming with Micro:bits - the block editor

There is some basic programming we can do show how sequence works:

Slides from class

Block programming task

Block editor instructions

Part 3 – Using the Python editor

Using the Python editor – instructions

Python task slide

MicroPython images – all of the other built-in images you can use

Part 4 – Repetition

This lesson introduces the idea of repetition and reinforces the use of the Python editor.

Repetition – slides from class

Part 5 – Selection

Using buttons on the micro:bit.

Selection – slides from class

What are variables?

The syntax for some of the commands is quite tricky. Here's a slide that will help.

Key syntax – to help with spelling etc...

This idea can be used to create a button counter program

Button counter algorithm

Part 6 – Sensors

Micro:bits have a bunch of sensors that can be used.

The tiltmeter task – slides from class

What are variables?

This code can lead to some quite complex questions. I sometimes run it into more than one lesson, so it's helpful to be able to copy and paste a code fragment rather than have to type the code in again...

The first set of code to use – click the link and then copy and paste the code into the Python editor

The full code is here:

The full code to use – click the link and then copy and paste the code into the Python editor

Questions about the code

There are some other sensors which can be used:

Temperature sensor

Light sensor

Part 7 – Sound

This will need a loud speaker and some wires...

Sound on micro:bits – slides from class

Built in micro:bit sounds

You can play whole melodies using a micro:bit as well. These slides explain how to do that:

Playing melodies

Part 8 – Assessment

I use this to teach report writing, formatting, taking screenshots and explaining skills. Meta stuff much of it - and all the better for it.

Markgrid for the report