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����ý Teach > micro:bit - the next gen

In the C����ý series So Awkward one of the main characters works as a scientist at an Antarctic research station. Her job involves monitoring the temperature across the region using micro:bit ‘robot thermometers’ that can send their readings via a radio signal to the research station. It is also mentioned that each micro:bit robot is equipped with an accelerometer which can transmit information about its movement and location.

Watch the video below with your class to see how things go and then try out some of the activities yourselves. You’ll also find teacher notes on this page along with a link to a video on the .

Teacher notes

Before watching

Introduce the ����ý micro:bit device and the MakeCode programming platform if pupils are not already familiar with it.

Check pupil understanding of thermometers and the units temperature is measured in.

Use a standard room thermometer to measure the current temperature in the classroom.

After watching

Revise understanding of magnets (Science) and compasses (Geography).

Clarify understanding of key terms mentioned in the clip – robot, thermometer, temperature, trasmit.

Discuss how many micro:bits they will need to make the thermometer – one outside to measure the temperature and send the data and one inside to receive the data and display the reading.

Talk about how the two micro:bits will communicate with each other – using wireless radio waves – give some simple background information.

on the Micro:bit Educational Foundation website and work through the steps to:

• Complete the coding project
• Program pairs of micro:bits to set them up as Indoor Outdoor Thermometers
• Test them in small groups/pairs

After completing the activity

Discuss what you discovered during the project:

• How far can the micro:bit transmit the temperature data?
• How quickly can the temperature sensor respond to changes?
• How could you modify the program so that the device will send an alarm if the temperature outside goes below or above a specific reading?
• Would putting the micro:bit in a protective case or box alter the temperature sensor’s readings?

Extension activities

• Annotate photos/images of the micro:bit - label the key components and features
• Create a glossary to explain key vocabulary and technical terms used in the project
• Annotate a photo of the indoor/outdoor thermometer with notes about the key features
• Compare micro:bit temperature readings to standard thermometer readings. Make a comparison table
• Use the micro:bit as a data logger to measure temperature changes over a period of time – note down readings at set time intervals and create a table and line graph
• Write an instruction manual for the micro:bit for younger children
• Create an advert/marketing campaign for the indoor-outdoor thermometer for specific audiences e.g. people with greenhouses, or pets that live outside etc
• Create a comic strip starring a cartoon version of a micro:bit exploring other types of problems that they could solve
• Write their own version of a script/screenplay for the characters in a new scene where they use the micro:bit
• Write a story (using C����ý characters or their own characters) where the micro:bit is used to solve a problem

Suggestions for activities for children with special educational needs

• Provide images of the different stages of the activity (write code, transfer code to micro:bit, set up door alarm, receive alert signal) and ask pupils to sequence them
• Complete gap-fill descriptions and explanations about the project using word-banks of key vocabulary
• Ask pupils to annotate a photo of the door alarm set up using prepared word cards
• Work with a small group on the Simple Thermometer project that only uses one micro:bit – see the for more details

Educational context

Thermometer
A thermometer is a device that measures the temperature – how hot or cold something is. There are many different types of thermometer, which use different methods to measure and display temperature.

Sensors
Humans use their five senses to find out what is happening in the world around them. Other animals may have extra senses that humans don’t have. Having senses means we can react to things around us and stay out of danger. Computer sensors also collect information about the world. They convert this information into digital data and it can then be understood by a computer. We can program the computer to react to this information in a particular way, by showing a reading on a display or making a sound.

Temperature Sensor
A temperature sensor is a digital input device that can detect and measure temperature. It often has an output device like a display to allow it to show a temperature reading in degrees Celsius.

Radio Waves
Radio is a way of transmitting and receiving messages over a distance. The micro:bit uses radio waves to communicate wirelessly between micro:bits and in order to generate and detect these waves the micro:bit has an antenna. When one device transmits or sends a message, the other will receive the message and can be programmed to send a message back.

You can watch So Awkward on C����ý or on ����ý iPlayer.

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