Standards Alignment

14 Standards Aligned

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Lesson Steps

Beating Heart

30 min

<h2 id="step-1:-make-it"><strong>Step 1: Make it</strong></h2>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="what-is-it?"><strong>What is it?</strong></h3>

<p>Make your micro:bit’s heart beat using loops to create an animation.</p>

<p>These two videos show you what you'll make and how to code it:</p>

<p> </p>

<h3><strong>Introduction</strong></h3>

<p> </p>

<p><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/8qzYWH10o6E?rel=0&cc_load_policy=1" title="Video introducing the project"></iframe></p>

<p> </p>

<h3><strong>Coding guide</strong></h3>

<p> </p>

<p><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/2yzT7_QGLLc?rel=0&cc_load_policy=1" title="Video coding guide"></iframe></p>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="how-it-works"><strong>How it works</strong></h3>

<ul>
<li>The program shows a beating heart using two built-in pictures, a large and small heart, on the micro:bit's <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/leds-and-buttons/#leds">LED display</a>.</li>
<li>Different images shown in a sequence create the illusion of movement: a heart getting larger and smaller.</li>
<li>After showing each image, the program <strong>pauses</strong> for half a second (500 milliseconds) before showing the next image.</li>
<li>The animation is kept going <strong>forever</strong> using an infinite <strong>loop</strong>: it repeats the sequence of showing these two images and pausing until you unplug the micro:bit.</li>
<li>Using loops to keep things happening is an important idea in computer programming: we have created an animation that will keep running for as long as the micro:bit has power using only a small amount of code. This is also called <strong>iteration</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="what-you-need"><strong>What you need</strong></h3>

<ul>
<li>micro:bit (or MakeCode simulator)</li>
<li>MakeCode or Python editor</li>
<li>battery pack (optional)</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>

<h2 id="step-2:-code-it"><strong>Step 2: Code it<button aria-controls="65f60735c998-tabpanel-1" aria-selected="false" id="65f60735c998-tab-1" role="tab" tabindex="-1" type="button"></button></strong></h2>

<p> </p>

<h3><u><strong>MakeCode</strong></u></h3>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/si8ukm95l26x6gtn14sixp5zkgnv/Unknown.png" style="width: 500px; height: 683px;" /></p>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>

<h3><u><strong>Python</strong></u></h3>

<h2> </h2>

<p><code>1from microbit import *<br />
2<br />
3while True:<br />
4    display.show(Image.HEART)<br />
5    sleep(500)<br />
6    display.show(Image.HEART_SMALL)<br />
7    sleep(500)<br />
8<br />
9</code></p>

<p> </p>

<pre>

 </pre>

<p><a href="https://classroom.microbit.org/?id=beating-heart&project=Project%3A%20Beating%20heart&name=beating-heart&editors=makecode%2Cpython">Open in Classroom</a></p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://makecode.microbit.org/#pub:_AUiYbFHgp6wK">Open in MakeCode</a></p>

<p><a href="https://microbit.org/downloads/beating-heart-makecode.hex">Download HEX</a></p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://python.microbit.org/v/3#import:#project:XQAAgABfAQAAAAAAAAA9iImmlGSt1R++5LD+ZJ36cRz46B+lhYtNRoWF0nijpaVyZlK7ACfSpeoQpgfk21st4ty06R4PEOLbxnvXPBbRP1N3oqmbKXSljffpAqTqaQvw4GmEO4Oy54Cg+JWMvxaUySzPQMTr2lK2vCmnll6F4o30DJr6So+JCYmawEeyajV9Ql78YPiP4lr2OFqwNabAnIR7jeiNHJw37YsUlvuaOt3eWpGwRV4Jv9qlHzyxoaVsPWl1dfAlDnKXPS7vmqYR//HbCmA=">Open in Python</a></p>

<p> </p>

<h2 id="step-3:-improve-it"><strong>Step 3: Improve it</strong></h2>

<ul>
<li>Make the heart beat faster or slower by changing the delay time.</li>
<li>Try animating other built-in images like the small and large diamond or square.</li>
<li>Create your own animations using your own designs.</li>
</ul>

Animated Animals

30 min

<h2 id="step-1:-make-it"><strong>Step 1: Make it</strong></h2>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="what-is-it?"><strong>What is it?</strong></h3>

<p>Animate your own pictures on the micro:bit display.</p>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="duck image moving up and down on the micro:bit LED display" loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ajwvhvgo/production/1d5802331620511efe3b5de846ac15de85b508e3-383x313.gif?w=653&q=80&fit=max&auto=format" style="width: 500px;" /></p>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="how-it-works"><strong>How it works</strong></h3>

<ul>
<li>This program creates an animation on the micro:bit’s <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/leds-and-buttons/#leds">LED display output</a><strong> </strong>by using a built-in image and one you create yourself.</li>
<li>First it shows the duck built-in image and then shows a modified version, which is made by moving all the dots (pixels) down one row.</li>
<li>It shows the two different pictures one after the other, with a half second (500 millisecond) delay, to make it look like a duck bobbing up and down on the water.</li>
<li>An infinite <strong>loop</strong> keeps the micro:bit showing the image sequence until you unplug the micro:bit.</li>
<li>Using loops in computer programmes is also known as <strong>iteration</strong>. They help you create efficient compact code without needlessly repeating the same instructions.</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="what-you-need"><strong>What you need</strong></h3>

<ul>
<li>micro:bit (or MakeCode simulator)</li>
<li>MakeCode or Python editor</li>
<li>battery pack (optional)</li>
<li>optional graph paper or <a href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ajwvhvgo/production/85217f8b90f3cefefd6dddd8eb10e6ec28415e8b.pdf?dl=5x5%20icon%20planning%20grid.pdf">LED planning sheet</a> to sketch out your own animal designs</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<h2 id="step-2:-code-it"><strong>Step 2: Code it</strong></h2>

<p> </p>

<h3><u><strong>MakeCode</strong></u></h3>

<p> </p>

<h3><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/hzia33v5ge6179vz1xz2gww8726w/Unknown.png" style="width: 500px; height: 1054px;" /></h3>

<p> </p>

<h3><u><strong>Python</strong></u></h3>

<p> </p>

<pre>
<code>1from microbit import *
2
3while True:
4 display.show(Image.DUCK)
5 sleep(500)
6 display.show(Image(
7 "00000:"
8 "09900:"
9 "99900:"
10 "09999:"
11 "09990"))
12 sleep(500)</code></pre>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>

<p><a href="https://classroom.microbit.org/?id=animated-animals&project=Project%3A%20Animated%20animals&name=animated-animals&editors=makecode%2Cpython">Open in Classroom</a></p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://makecode.microbit.org/#pub:_J9rK89hgJJRV">Open in MakeCode</a></p>

<p><a href="https://microbit.org/downloads/animated-animals-makecode.hex">Download HEX</a></p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://python.microbit.org/v/3#import:#project:XQAAgADyAAAAAAAAAAA9iImmlGSt1R++5LD+ZJ36cRz46B+lhYtNRoWF0nijpaVyZlK7ACfSpeoQpgfk21st4ty06R4PEOLo0piLv5VHU1HhIl+xR42+DeCsWOXx5AN0gCH/UZ4/toz12B8/UMNIMcq20TSCbiUVXovKl242vcMdkcORjPwCKUleOu1LcufC7DbRFEFX9vDBCdAV87GFZz/BklxbNaGWtx7sf0b+XIr/cOcyuSfCqfz/3dOAAA==">Open in Python</a></p>

<h2> </h2>

<h2> </h2>

<h2 id="step-3:-improve-it"><strong>Step 3: Improve it</strong></h2>

<ul>
<li>Try modifying and animating different built-in images like GIRAFFE and RABBIT.</li>
<li>Create your own images from scratch using graph paper or our <a href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ajwvhvgo/production/85217f8b90f3cefefd6dddd8eb10e6ec28415e8b.pdf?dl=5x5%20icon%20planning%20grid.pdf">LED planning sheet</a> to sketch out your designs.</li>
<li>Make longer animated sequences to tell a story.</li>
<li>In Python, use different numbers to change the brightness of different pixels. 9 is the brightest, 1 is the dimmest and 0 is off.</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

Sunlight Sensor

30 min

<h2 id="step-1:-make-it"><strong>Step 1: Make it</strong></h2>

<h3> </h3>

<h3 id="what-is-it?"><strong>What is it?</strong></h3>

<p>Turn the LED display into a sensor to make your micro:bit react to light.</p>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="micro:bit reacting to sunlight falling on it by showing a sun icon on its LED display" loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ajwvhvgo/production/ab367a2cd9cc0d67385873386a906c8939a67a90-1449x1276.png?w=653&q=80&fit=max&auto=format" style="width: 500px;" /></p>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="how-it-works"><strong>How it works</strong></h3>

<ul>
<li>As well as working as an output, the LEDs on your micro:bit can also work as an input device <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/sensors/#light-sensor">light sensor</a>, measuring the amount of light falling on them.</li>
<li>This means that micro:bit programs can make different things happen depending on how light or dark it is.</li>
<li>The program uses an ‘if… else’ statement to show the sun image only <strong>if</strong> the light level is greater than (>) a certain level. This is known as selection – selecting when different things happen.</li>
<li>Flash this program onto your micro:bit and shine a light source, like a torch, daylight or bright ceiling light on to the micro:bit, and you should see the sun appear.</li>
<li>Cover the micro:bit with your hand and the sun icon should vanish.</li>
<li>If it doesn’t work, try making the 100 number smaller to suit the lighting where you are.</li>
<li>You can read more background information about how the micro:bit light sensor works <a href="https://support.microbit.org/support/solutions/articles/19000024023-how-does-the-light-sensing-feature-on-the-micro-bit-work-">here</a>.</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<h3 id="what-you-need"><strong>What you need</strong></h3>

<ul>
<li>micro:bit (or MakeCode simulator)</li>
<li>MakeCode or Python editor</li>
<li>battery pack (optional)</li>
<li>a light source and something to cover the micro:bit with – your hand will do!</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<h2 id="step-2:-code-it"><strong>Step 2: Code it<button aria-controls="26eb3297a761-tabpanel-0" aria-selected="true" id="26eb3297a761-tab-0" role="tab" tabindex="0" type="button"></button></strong></h2>

<p> </p>

<h3><u><strong>MakeCode</strong></u></h3>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/exvghw3sqy43esqdvlvcdhvqosbu/Unknown-1.png" style="width: 500px; height: 573px;" /></p>

<p> </p>

<h3><u><strong>Python</strong></u></h3>

<p> </p>

<pre>
<code>1from microbit import *
2
3while True:
4 if display.read_light_level() > 100:
5 display.show(Image(
6 "90909:"
7 "09990:"
8 "99999:"
9 "09990:"
10 "90909"))
11 else:
12 display.clear()</code></pre>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://python.microbit.org/v/3#import:#project:XQAAgAByAQAAAAAAAAA9iImmlGSt1R++5LD+ZJ36cRz46B+lhYtNRoWF0nijpaVyZlK7ACfSpeoQpgfk21st4ty06R4PEOPLlXDQ6NnPzZZpGgDR4KU/N4LeMj6nZ4xyi8Xthp7UnNWwIZQzhmd8qsQFntKhK2IgymC8Ck5iJc2efAZn2IlihcoQ5JB1/OaNERHq0hCHmVuov0bw4RD1SuinL7CbDvpzD2Buhd1kd6biH7hV0UHjE8vOUpRsagj8x0K6J9U7E/X8KqINOnNNzuq92g733IqP1LIBW/Zwfa59Sf/3rTrA">Open in Python</a></p>

<p><a href="https://classroom.microbit.org/?id=sunlight-sensor&project=Project%3A%20Sunlight%20sensor&name=sunlight%20sensor&editors=makecode%2Cpython">Open in Classroom</a></p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://makecode.microbit.org/#pub:_cetA5h6DF41v">Open in MakeCode</a></p>

<p><a href="https://microbit.org/downloads/sunlight-sensor-makecode.hex">Download HEX</a></p>

<p> </p>

<h2 id="step-3:-improve-it"><strong>Step 3: Improve it</strong></h2>

<ul>
<li>Show a different picture, like a moon or star, when it’s dark.</li>
<li>Show an animated sun when light falls on your micro:bit.</li>
<li>Turn this project into a night-light by making it light up the micro:bit’s display when it goes dark.</li>
</ul>

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Magic 8-ball

30 min

Step Counter

30 min

Scratch Boom Box

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Related Supply Kit

Micro:bit Pack

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Beginner Micro:bit | Grades Grade 3–Grade 12 | Classbox | Classbox

Beginner Micro:bit

Standards Alignment

14 Standards Aligned

Lesson Steps

Beating Heart

Animated Animals

Sunlight Sensor

Unlock 7 more steps

Magic 8-ball

Step Counter

Scratch Boom Box

Micro:bit Pack

Ready to bring this lesson to your classroom?

Thermometer

Saving Sea Turtles

Disco Lights

Clap Lights