First, Coding with micro: bit
introduces you to the hardware and software features of the BBC micro: bit,
including the built-in microphone, speaker, and touch sensor added in micro: bit
version 2. You'll learn new skills such as how to code your micro: bit to play
music, send messages, display pictures, and detect light.
Getting started: This
section gives you a tour of the micro: bit and gets you started with coding your
first program. Basics: Here, you'll
learn to display images and text on the micro: bit's LED grid. Inputs:: This section
shows you how to work with the input systems on the micro: bit, like the
buttons, the accelerometer, and the light sensor. Once you've mastered these skills, the book guides
you through 10 exciting projects, including a temperature sensor, simple
interactive games, and even an alarm system!
- The 99 game:
This first project is a game of chance that involves throwing the micro: bit
among a group of people. You'll learn more about coding, like using variables
and control flow techniques. - Heads or tails:
In this project, you'll use the LED grid and accelerometer to create a "coin
toss" generator that detects when you flip your micro: bit, and displays heads
or tails. - Steady hand game:
This game challenges you to hold your micro: bit in your hand as long as you can
without wobbling. You'll also learn more about the micro: bit's abilities and
other fundamental coding techniques. - Temperature display:
Here, you'll use the micro: bit's built-in temperature sensor to detect the
temperature and scroll it across the LED grid. - LED control:
In this project, you'll learn how to wire up an external LED and control it
with code. This exercise teaches you about using the micro: bit with other
components so you can build even bigger projects. - Trespasser alarm:
By connecting a speaker to your micro: bit, you'll create an alarm system that
detects when someone has broken into your room and alerts you by playing a
tune. - Fortune teller:
This project ramps up the coding complexity, showing you how to program your
micro: bit to tell your fortune just like a Magic 8-Ball! - Compass: Here,
you'll turn the micro: bit into a real working compass using its built-in
magnetometer. - Radio communication:
In this project you'll use two micro: bits to send and receive radio messages. - Bag alarm:
Using your radio skills from the previous project combined with the
accelerometer, you'll build a bag alarm with two micro: bits. The first
micro: bit stays inside your bag and alerts a second micro: bit in your pocket if
someone tries to steal your bag.
Each project has been designed to work with both
versions of the micro: bit.
You'll find "Try This" sections that suggest other ways for you to try out your new knowledge. These ideas will inspire you to
build your own projects with the micro: bit.
So whether you're a coding newbie, or you think you know it all, grab your micro: bit and let's get coding!
Aldred, Dan: - Dan Aldred is a Computer Science teacher and a freelance resource writer and hacker. He has championed the use of the Raspberry Pi as a tool for learning and creativity and is a Raspberry Pi Certified educator. Dan led the winning team of students for the first Astro Pi competition, whose code is now orbiting Earth aboard the ISS. Dan has authored a set of international micro: bit teaching resources with ARM and hacked Scratch with a Microsoft Kinnect for an open evening at school and invited all the students to dance. Dan currently resides in the UK. Dan runs the TeCoEd website (www.tecoed.co.uk) and also a YouTube channel.
