Connecting micro:bits to other hardware
I can write programs that enable physical computing devices to interact with external hardware and communicate wirelessly with other devices.
Connecting micro:bits to other hardware
I can write programs that enable physical computing devices to interact with external hardware and communicate wirelessly with other devices.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Use external components to extend functionality.
- Control external hardware components using programs and GPIO pins.
- Use wireless communication to send and receive messages.
Keywords
GPIO pins - General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices
Circuits - is a complete path that electricity can travel through. It’s like a loop that lets electric current flow
Wireless - the transmission of data between devices without using physical cables or wires
Common misconception
Sending and receiving radio signals broadcasts to all devices that have radio capability.
A radio channel can be set which means that only devices on that same channel will receive those broadcasts.
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Connecting micro:bits to other hardware, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Connecting micro:bits to other hardware, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Physical computing using the micro:bit unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Access to a device that connects to the internet to use the micro:bit makecode website. It would be beneficial for pupils to have access to two micro:bits, USB cable, wires and an LED.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
data that is sent to a program to be processed
information that is produced by a computer
a physical part of a computer or device, such as wires or buttons
a component that emits light when electricity flows through it
a device that can detect physical properties such as light or movement
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the physical components of a computer
the programs and applications that run on a computer
used for sending/receiving electrical signals to/from other devices
a closed path through which electric current flows
technology that allows devices to exchange data using radio waves