Session 1: Introduction to micro:bit

Goal: Get familiar with the micro:bit, learn basic programming, and create your first interactive programs.

What is a micro:bit?

The BBC micro:bit is a small, programmable computer with:

  • LED display (5×5 grid)
  • Two buttons (A and B)
  • Built-in sensors (accelerometer, compass, temperature)
  • GPIO pins for connecting external components

Getting Started

  1. Access the Editor

  2. Interface Overview

    • Left: Simulator showing your micro:bit
    • Middle: Block categories
    • Right: Programming workspace

  3. First Program: Hello World

    • From Basic, drag show string into the on start block
    • Type “Hello!” in the text field
    • Click the simulator to see it run
    • Download to a real micro:bit (connect via USB)

  4. Interactive Program: Button Counter

    • From Input, drag on button A pressed
    • Inside it, add show number with a variable
    • Use Variables to create a counter that increases each press
    • Add button B to decrease the counter

  5. Sensor Exploration

    • Use the accelerometer to detect shaking
    • Display different images when tilted left/right
    • Show temperature readings on the LED display

🎯 Challenge: Dice Rolling Game

Create a game where you shake the micro:bit to “roll a dice” and display a random number from 1 to 6.

Hints:

  • Use the on shake input block
  • Use pick random 1 to 6 from the Math category
  • Display the result with show number
  • Add a short animation before showing the result for fun!

Key Concepts You Learned

  • What a micro:bit is and what it can do
  • How to use the MakeCode editor
  • Programming with blocks: on start, forever, on button pressed, on shake
  • Using variables to keep track of values
  • Displaying text, numbers, and icons on the LED grid

Think About It:

  • What other programs could you make with just the built-in buttons and sensors?
  • How might you use the micro:bit to solve a real-world problem?
  • What happens if you combine multiple inputs (buttons + sensors)?
CATALOG