Pocket-Sized Physical Computing Projects with micro:bit

With support for block-based programming and an array of on-board input/output features, pocket-sized micro:bit makes it easy for students to jump in with physical computing projects that enable them to design and code real-world solutions.

Making Coding Accessible

At Science Buddies, we have a wide range of resources to support students interested in exploring coding, electronics, and circuit building with hands-on science and engineering projects. We are excited to add micro:bit projects to our library to open the world of coding and physical computing to even more students.

What is a micro:bit?

A bit smaller than a credit card, a micro:bit is a pocket-sized computing device that highlights the relationship between hardware and software. A micro:bit only does something if you write a program for it, and it can only run one program at a time.

As a microcontroller, the micro:bit can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Write the code on a computer, upload it to the micro:bit with a cable, and you can immediately see it in action. The micro:bit has a range of on-board input/output features, including a speaker, a microphone, a grid of 25 red LED lights, programmable buttons, an accelerometer, a compass, a radio and Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, and input/output pins that can be connected to other devices.

The micro:bit supports block-based code with Microsoft MakeCode and can also be used with Scratch, Python, and JavaScript. Support for block-based code makes these projects accessible to upper-elementary and middle school students, beginning coders, and experienced coders.

With its engaging display of red LEDs and various input/output features, micro:bit makes coding and physical computing accessible to students in a small, portable format. With micro:bit, you can explore coding almost anywhere!

Student micro:bit Projects

To learn more about micro:bit, see these exciting student projects for pocket-sized computing and electronics:

• Make a Communication Aid To Help People Show Their Feelings: Use a micro:bit to design and code an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that allows an individual to indicate how they feel by pressing the on-board buttons, shaking the device, or using one of the other input options. (Note: An ACC device is a form of assistive technology that can supplement or replace spoken and written communication and can be helpful in a variety of contexts.)
• Make a Model Planetary Lander: Make a model lander with a sensor that can measure distance to the ground. This allows programming outputs like blinking lights or an audible alarm as the lander gets closer to the ground.
• Make a Medical Alert Fall Detector: Use the accelerometer in the micro:bit to build a device that can detect when someone falls over and sound an alarm or send a message for help.
• Design a Mini Solar Tracker System: How much more power might solar panels generate if they followed the movement of the Sun? Use a micro:bit to design, build, and test a miniature solar tracking solar panel system.
• Make a Mood Tracker: How much do your mood vary throughout the day and over time? Are there patterns you can detect? Use micro:bit to program a small device to track your mood throughout the day and upload the data so you can analyze it later.
• Wearable Limp Detection Device: Someone in physical therapy may be working to walk more evenly. Using the accelerometer in the micro:bit, you can program a device to monitor gait and then train a machine learning model to help analyze walking patterns.
• How Does Distance Affect Wireless Signal Strength?: Have you ever wondered what factors affect the strength of a cell or wi-fi signal? With a pair of micro:bits, students can experiment to see what factors influence signal strength, speed, and communication between a transmitter and a receiver.
• Make Your Own Wireless Alarm System: Use the magnet sensor on the micro:bit to program a custom, wireless alarm system.
• Program a Sound Level Meter to Help Protect Your Hearing: Explore noise pollution in your community and program a device that alerts you when noise has exceeded safe levels long enough to cause hearing damage.

micro:bit Kit

The projects listed here all use the micro:bit Go Bundle. (Additional kits are available, like the ElecFreaks micro:bit Tinker Kit and the ElecFreaks micro:bit Basic Kit, which contain additional parts that can be used with a micro:bit.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEciiScv3Gw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgoHEhYt7cc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPuld-ki4lw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIS-r5K_9WE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsvqypHoegI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LHWjt0eqzQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaKbI2lU2SY

Explore More

For other resources to explore physical computing and microcontroller projects that help students combine circuit building, electronics, and coding, see:

• Arduino Projects for Students
• How to Use an Arduino