micro:bits

What is a Micro:Bit?

The micro:bit was developed as a result of a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Computer Literacy Project. The goal was to provide learners with a means to create and build with technology and to not simply be consumers of technology. Together with multiple partners, the BBC manufactured, developed and designed the micro:bit.

Image of the front side of a Micro:bit - a small computer system the half the size of a credit card

The micro:bit is a small (half the size of a credit card) open source (free to use) device with an embedded system housing a computer processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors and multiple LEDs and programmable buttons. This small device has USB and Bluetooth connectivity capability and can be powered through either a USB or external battery pack.

 

Getting Started with Micro:Bit

Micro:bit Curriculum & Activity Guide – A wonderful resource to get you started with micro:bit compiled by our very own STEAM-3D Maker Lab interns Devin Flynn and Maggie Fairweather.

Additional Resources: 

Getting Started with Micro:bit– Learn how to get the micro:bit working, program its features and create your first projects.

Coding with Micro:bit:

Coding –  using Microsoft MakeCode, Python, Mobile and tablet apps, Scratch, Swift Playgrounds and Other editors

Scatch Coding & Micro:Bit – Projects and Directions for using Scratch Coding with your micro:bit

Tinkercad & Micro:Bit

Help & Support – Visit the Micro:bit Knowledge base

Curriculum Connections

LESSON PLANS & IDEAS:  Micro:bit Educational Foundation – has an excellent curriculum with many work and design challenges for planning and teaching computing in primary and secondary schools (UK based)

Stay Tuned for additional curriculum connections to be added to our list of Ontario Curriculum Connections. 

Teaching with the Micro:Bit

For a quick look into micro:bits and how you could incorporate them into your teaching, please click on the thumbnail below to read the wonderful overview provided by our very own Laura Morrison.

Micro:Bit in the “Real World”

The opportunity to learn about computers and coding through the multitude of projects and design challenges developed for the micro:bit cannot be understated. The ongoing advancement of technology requires that we provide our learners with the skills and understanding they need to live and succeed in the 21st Century and beyond.

Micro:bits offer a fun opportunity for learners to work on projects related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) which aim “to promote prosperity for everyone while protecting the planet”. Explore the do your :bit challenge to find ways to add social purpose to digital learning and allow your students to apply their digital skills to real world solutions.

 

For additional micro:bits content, please see the Tutorials and Challenges pages!