Room 5 and I really liked the look of these little computers. We were up for the challenge and interested to see what we could code and create with them.
We were quickly onto the https://microbit.org/ website learning how to safely use the microbits, the different parts to them, and what we might be able to achieve when using these little computers. The options were endless and really well resourced.
We had a good play around at the lessons/tutorials - flashing heart, paper scissors rock, smiley buttons, name tag - we tried them all using the MicroCode Editor. Some children were ready to use Python, but because we were familiar with block coding, (we use it both with Scratch and CoSpaces), we stuck with what we knew well!
Once everybody could code successfully and download competently we were ready to take on the creation of the Micro Critter!
We took the following tutorial on the inchworm - https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/inchworm and vamped it up Outram Style!
The critter had to grip with the front foot and slide with back foot. They needed to be weighted successfully otherwise they would struggle to move.
We coded the microbit to move forward when button a is pressed and stop when button b is pressed.
We delved into the world of electronics and discovered how to successfully wire up a little servo motor to move the critter along.
It took A LOT of trial and error, perseverance and problem solving to be successful at both!!
Below are some photos of our end results:
RACE DAY!
On our race day plenty of critters gave up the ghost when previously they had moved well, batteries went flat, and servo arms chose to do 360, but the students agreed that's just the thing with digital technology..... Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't, but the journey is definitely worth it!
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