If you (or youth you work with) are just getting started with the BBC microbit, it can be helpful to allow for exploration time. Don't worry about completing a project or giving detailed instructions about what to do with microbit. Follow the easy steps in the setup guide to get started with the microbit, but then give youth a chance to play and experiment without step-by-step instruction.
You might want to consider beginning with one or more tutorials if you think students need a goal on which to focus.
In each tutorial, a set of basic instructions and simplified menus will be displayed to lead you through a coding activity.
Once you feel comfortable with the coding basics, consider using the following instructions to code your microbit as a technology tool you can use in the garden or other outdoor space.
Measure light intensity
How sunny or shady is it in your garden? How does this compare to inside your house or school? Code this sensor to measure brightness.
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Need a video tutorial? Watch one here.
Measure soil moisture
How wet or dry is your garden's soil? Code, build, and use this soil moisture sensor to find out. Look for dry and wet areas outside.
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
- Two nails (long and skinny work best)
- Two alligator clips
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Need a video tutorial? Watch one here.
Measure temperature
Are there areas in your garden that are warmer or cooler? Code this sensor to help measure temperature in the sun, shade, or anywhere in between.
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Count wildlife, seeds, etc.
Want to count birds, bees, trees, or just about anything else? Code this counter to help you keep track!
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Navigate with a compass
Want to map your garden using a compass? Code the microbit as a compass and create a garden treasure map!
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Count your steps as you garden
You may not think about it, but gardening is a good workout. Code the step counter and track your fitness!
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
- Fabric or other band for attaching your microbit to your ankle
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Need a video tutorial? Watch one here.
Create a fruit button
Want to explore how circuits work and eventually add some music to your garden? Code the microbit as a fruit button to help get started!
Materials needed:
- Microbit
- Computer with internet access
- USB cord
- Battery pack (if you want to take your microbit outside)
- A piece of fruit (orange, apple, banana, etc.)
- Two alligator clips
Short on time? Download the finished code!
Need a video tutorial? Watch one here.