Read and Watch
The Garden TOOLS program is built around the BBC micro:bit. This small but mighty device opens up all kinds of opportunities for students' creativity and curiosity. Watch the video to gain a sense of the capabilities of the BBC micro:bit and think about how this device might be used by elementary learners.
Visit the BBC micro:bit website (www.microbit.org). Spend 10 minutes clicking around the projects and lessons pages to find at least one idea that looks interesting and you would like to explore more.
Make and Do
The BBC micro:bit can be programmed using several different programming languages including MakeCode, Scratch, and Python. The Garden TOOLS for Corn program will focus on using the MakeCode for micro:bit editor because the block-based coding language is similar to building with Legos and is suitable for students (and educators!) who have little or no experience with computer programming.
The MakeCode for micro:bit editor is available either as a downloadable app for iPad/iPhone, Android tablet or phone, or Windows 10 computer OR browser-based platform accessible on any device with internet and a browser. Feel free to use whichever is easier or more convenient.
A benefit of the MakeCode editor is that it doesn't require having a BBC micro:bit to get started. We will be using this exercise to become familiar with the block-based, drag-and-drop coding used in the MakeCode for micro:bit editor and we won't worry about downloading the code to a BBC micro:bit just yet.
-
Navigate to the browser-based editor or download the MakeCode for micro:bit app.
-
Select one of the tutorials:
-
Flashing Heart
-
Name Tag
-
Smiley Faces
-
-
Follow the step-by-step tutorial instructions to code your first project to practice creating a program with the drag-and-drop code blocks we will be using.
Share and Reflect
Record a quick video of you, your code, or both and share it with the group on Flipgrid! Think about sharing a video that you could share with future students who are using this platform for the first time.