Lesson Steps

Compass North

30 min

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

<p> </p>

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

<p>This simple compass will show you which way is North.</p>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="micro:bit showing N for North on LED display next to compass pointing North" loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ajwvhvgo/production/db90b21b419e4140635f958476ff548bb5ee8b1e-1911x1171.png?w=653&q=80&fit=max&auto=format" style="width: 550px;" /></p>

<h3> </h3>

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

<ul>
<li>Your micro:bit has a <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/sensors/#compass">compass sensor</a> called a magnetometer that measures magnetic fields. It can sense the Earth’s magnetic field and so you can use it as a compass.</li>
<li>When you first use the micro:bit compass you have to calibrate it. A little game appears on the screen where you have to tilt the micro:bit to light up every LED, then you’re ready to go.</li>
<li>The program uses an infinite (forever) <strong>loop</strong> to keep taking compass readings and it stores them in a <strong>variable</strong> called ‘bearing’. It then uses <strong>selection</strong>: an <strong>if… else</strong> statement to show N for North on the <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/leds-and-buttons/#leds">LED display</a> <strong>if</strong>the bearing is greater (>) than 315 degrees <strong>or</strong> less than (<) 45. This means that it will show you where North is as long as your micro:bit is pointing in roughly the right direction.</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 planet with magnetic poles to stand on, such as Earth!</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

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

<p> </p>

<p><u><strong>MakeCode</strong></u></p>

<p><strong><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/yh5nbdum5wxceqgt8uysbhj0592b/Unknown-3.png" style="width: 650px; height: 312px;" /></strong></p>

<p> </p>

<p><u><b>Python</b></u></p>

<pre>
<code>1from microbit import *
2compass.calibrate()
3
4while True:
5 bearing = compass.heading()
6 if bearing < 45 or bearing > 315:
7 display.show('N')
8 else:
9 display.show(' ')
10</code></pre>

<p> </p>

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

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://python.microbit.org/v/3#import:#project:XQAAgAA8AQAAAAAAAAA9iImmlGSt1R++5LD+ZJ36cRz46B+lhYtNRoWF0nijpaVyZlK7ACfSpeoQpgfk21st4ty06R4PEOL2bYcmzBlBlijQ6LC98tdl/gMz9fyLk7tDZBS2PT8ibixGOPSAzmJRxmxu6F1pd4XiOAFwdN1RocnSksJGptPNI6lWXIrRhEufR0QqBBz2kbPiBf38CN46bHIDWXYbx+qsWSes08+efxPWZrO1lLKqL3wljpnbzWZEBlaOSbElRwQuj0Dx/51Il2PqTzcIn5Iy2dv9g6qA">Open in Python</a></p>

<p><a href="https://microbit.org/downloads/compass-north-python.hex">Download HEX</a></p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://makecode.microbit.org/#pub:_Fxi79gEXmA72">Open in MakeCode</a></p>

<p> </p>

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

<ul>
<li>Make the compass more accurate by reducing the range of bearings: make the number 45 smaller and 315 bigger.</li>
<li>Add other points of the compass to show when the micro:bit is pointing East, West and South.</li>
<li>Add <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/sound-output/">sound</a> so it makes a noise when pointing North so someone who is visually impaired can use the compass.</li>
</ul>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="Compass rose showing numerical bearings for N, S, E, W, NE, SW etc" loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ajwvhvgo/production/c1ba4627f246bc638f48cd51afb80342fd1db540-2019x1878.png?w=653&q=80&fit=max&auto=format" style="width: 550px;" /></p>

<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>Attach headphones to your micro:bit and make music!</p>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="diagram showing tip of headphone plug connected to micro:bit pin 0 and the long part of headphone plug connected to GND on micro:bit " loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ajwvhvgo/production/3ce47dbab3309885583a8f58ca58165d00655a08-3305x2416.png?w=653&q=80&fit=max&auto=format" style="width: 575px;" /></p>

<h3> </h3>

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

<ul>
<li>To make <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/sound-output/">sounds</a> with micro:bit, attach headphones or a speaker. Clip the tip of the headphone plug to pin 0 on micro:bit. Clip the longer part of the headphone plug to the GND pin on micro:bit.</li>
<li>Use this program to make your micro:bit play one of its built-in tunes when you press button A.</li>
<li>The gold pins on the bottom of the micro:bit are used for <strong>inputs</strong> and <strong>outputs</strong>. Here we use pin 0 as an <strong>output</strong>. The micro:bit sends pulses of electrical signals from pin 0 when it plays the tune. The headphones must also be connected to the GND pin on the micro:bit to complete the electrical circuit.</li>
</ul>

<h3> </h3>

<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 pair of headphones, buzzer or amplified loudspeaker</li>
<li>two crocodile clip leads</li>
</ul>

<h2> </h2>

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

<p> </p>

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

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/nj73nkr053exmu4a3veoah2xmqjt/download.png" style="width: 600px; height: 203px;" /></p>

<h3> </h3>

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

<p> </p>

<pre>
<code>1from microbit import *
2import music
3
4while True:
5 if button_a.was_pressed():
6 music.play(music.NYAN)
7</code></pre>

<p> </p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://python.microbit.org/v/3#import:#project:XQAAgADoAAAAAAAAAAA9iImmlGSt1R++5LD+ZJ36cRz46B+lhYtNRoWF0nijpaVyZlK7ACfSpeoQpgfk21st4ty06R4PEON7IVIS3L9UluctzD2qwZFyRKOJu7BRFb48PnrT15LM/cXi1mQbLDQ6TlBX2CP4eHsIkCVJZWGyGD6LeCQwDKOQlxPcJHU0RwFOQypL3GRCy8mn/79Pu5tGpp3BUowekRyg9Pr/sowUbJcoTrG0Tx6Yfx5d+qWmlf/qCKAA">Open in Python</a></p>

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

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://makecode.microbit.org/#pub:_DbcgCAdAKeE6">Open in MakeCode</a></p>

<p><a href="https://microbit.org/downloads/make-some-noise-makecode.hex">Download HEX</a></p>

<p> </p>

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

<ul>
<li>Try different tunes like ODE, BLUES or BIRTHDAY. You can find a list of tunes you can use in Python <a href="https://microbit-micropython.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tutorials/music.html">here</a>.</li>
<li>Make the tune repeat more than once using a loop.</li>
<li>What happens if you connect pin 0 to the middle part of the headphone plug instead of the tip?</li>
</ul>

<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>Use micro:bit’s radio feature to answer questions in secret.</p>

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="Two people sharing secrets using micro:bit radio" loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ajwvhvgo/production/fd06eb79876afd582f5cc6064da724262312c875-4258x2496.png?w=653&q=80&fit=max&auto=format" style="width: 575px;" /></p>

<h3> </h3>

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

<ul>
<li>Flash this program on to two micro:bits. You and a friend ask each other questions that have ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as the answer.</li>
<li>Press <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/leds-and-buttons/#buttons">input button</a> A to send ‘yes’ and button B to send ‘no’ messages. A tick or cross will flash on both micro:bits’ <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/leds-and-buttons/#leds">LED display</a> outputs for half a second.</li>
<li>The program uses <a href="https://microbit.org/get-started/features/radio-and-pins/#radio">radio</a> to send your answer secretly - no-one (except your partner) can hear the radio signal.</li>
<li>When a radio message is received, the program uses <strong>selection</strong> to test the message: <strong>if</strong> the received message <strong>is equal to</strong> ‘yes’, <strong>then</strong> it shows a tick on the LED display, but <strong>if</strong> the message <strong>is equal to</strong> ‘no’ <strong>then</strong> it shows a cross.</li>
<li>Make sure the radio group number is the same on both micro:bits – you can use any number between 0 and 255.</li>
<li>If lots of you are using this program in the same place, you’ll want to make sure each pair of people has their own radio group number.</li>
<li>Keep your radio group number a secret if you don't want anyone snooping on your messages!</li>
</ul>

<h3> </h3>

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

<ul>
<li>Two micro:bits (or MakeCode simulator)</li>
<li>MakeCode or Python editor</li>
<li>battery pack (optional)</li>
<li>a friend and a secret to share!</li>
</ul>

<h2> </h2>

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

<p> </p>

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

<p> </p>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/zx0lrnen552ym49rysu1qyd9en3v/Screen+Shot+2024-05-20+at+11.07.54+AM.png" style="width: 650px; height: 353px;" /></p>

<p><img alt="" src="/api/storage/uploads/legacy-images/5f6y5oj7pwg8q1bt8y5hx08xerel/Screen+Shot+2024-05-20+at+11.09.53+AM.png" style="width: 650px; height: 442px;" /></p>

<h3> </h3>

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

<pre>

<code>from microbit import *
2import radio
3radio.config(group=7)
4radio.on()
5
6while True:
7 message = radio.receive()
8 if message:
9 if message == 'yes':
10 display.show(Image.YES)
11 sleep(500)
12 display.clear()
13 elif message == 'no':
14 display.show(Image.NO)
15 sleep(500)
16 display.clear()
17 if button_a.was_pressed():
18 radio.send('yes')
19 display.show(Image.YES)
20 sleep(500)
21 display.clear()
22 if button_b.was_pressed():
23 radio.send('no')
24 display.show(Image.NO)
25 sleep(500)
26 display.clear()
27</code></pre>

<p> </p>

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://python.microbit.org/v/3#import:#project:XQAAgAAkAwAAAAAAAAA9iImmlGSt1R++5LD+ZJ36cRz46B+lhYtNRoWF0nijpaVyZlK7ACfSpeoQpgfk21st4ty06R4PEOPYcHynHhxrriiGAeQiN2IUsISIo42bRZS//xne7FE/tS0NwN5q5NYpVh2vU/JWWer+TRDyFl0yS7G6RYferFxyCNnG4mE2TFDgMNPsmH5bPNJTP44cUfeNbs6EqK7SGtcKqglwYF1SpOfDP07arODuaFh0NEGlzNTeV+AgVQ+U0k+/7Td9J3zgdiHYHMHOYf3ZPjeHGStx68pOD6cCdju9KDF/bcXczv3OJxLFkbwxKEL4s6KQmfIymimsrcSWtAWspe0O8lF9vs69Ss2ticpCKXfNKA5UCcJAU8SIjNSZ8gSva49QmkPU/uplWDNliaaGNmnd3H/O+7ffZQ==">Open in Python</a></p>

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

<p><a data-testid="editor-link" href="https://makecode.microbit.org/#pub:_UwzVpUf4YWA2">Open in MakeCode</a></p>

<p><a href="https://microbit.org/downloads/tell-me-a-secret-makecode.hex">Download HEX</a></p>

<p> </p>

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

<ul>
<li>Show different icons or messages for ‘yes’ and ‘no’.</li>
<li>Use shake, tilt or buttons A and B together to send different answers such as ‘maybe.’</li>
<li>Change ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to ‘dot’ and ‘dash’ and send Morse code messages.</li>
</ul>

Intermediate Micro:bit

Standards Alignment

11 Standards Aligned

Lesson Steps

Compass North

Make Some Noise

Tell Me a Secret

Unlock 5 more steps

Treasure Hunt

Simple Door Alarm

Micro:bit Pet

Environment Data Logger

Hot Potato Game

Micro:bit Pack

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