BBC micro:bit Workshop Quick Start Guide Genova
Microsoft MakeCode for block and javascript programming of the micro:bit and other robotics systems. The advantage of MakeCode is that it exploits all of the hardware features of the micro:bit. The tradeoff is ease of use and the process of uploading a program to the micro:bit.
Scratch 3.0 Install the Scratch Link Bluetooth software to allow Scratch to communicate with the micro:bit. The advantage is ease of use, capitalizing on student familiarity with Scratch, and creating interdisciplinary projects that connect screen action to the physical world. Launch Scratch.
- Scratch (project) Cards for micro:bit (PPT format) (PDF format)
- Works in Spanish
Snap! Program in Scratch’s big brother. Snap! features a great deal more functionality as a serious programming language excellent for complex computer science projects. The extension for the Hummingbird Bit robotics platform also adds blocks for programming the micro:bit in Snap! (Future versions of Snap! will include micro:bit blocks as a standard feature). Click this link, select the Hummingbird Bit, select your computer, and Snap! to follow instructions for putting the proper firmware on the micro:bit and for launching Snap! This gives you a powerful programming language and a Scratch/Logo-like functionality. Like Scratch, Snap! and the micro:bit interact via Bluetooth (currently via low-cost dongle with Snap!) for wireless control.
Snap! is an option well worth your consideration. Snap! web site
Microblocks An incredibly simple interface for programming the micro:bit without the need to upload programs. Create some code on the screen and it runs immediately on the micro:bit, even if unplugged from the computer. (Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi)
Micro:bit Getting Started Ideas – Simple prompts
Why the micro:bit Matters (an introduction to the micro:bit including other software environments)
Hummingbird Bit Resources
The Invent to Learn Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit Quickstart – A two page guide used in Invent to Learn workshops
Additional Hummingbird Bit Resources
- Tutorials for using the Hummingbird Bit with MakeCode
- Super cool Hummingbird Bit mechanism and robot construction ideas
- Hummingbird Bit Curricular Project Ideas
- Microsoft MakeCode for the Hummingbird Bit (direct link – otherwise add Hummingbird via Extensions)
Reinventing School Mathematics
Other Resources
- Getting Started with Hummingbird Robotics
- Turtle Art Activity Cards, Math Activities and Download Information
- micro:bit Starter Ideas new
- The micro:bit Matters (an introduction to the micro:bit)
- Exciting new physical computing software options
- The Invent To Learn Guide to Block Programming (updated 6/17)