Here are some labelled micro:bit photos, with their definitions. One activity which the pupils could complete could be sorting and matching each component to the correct definition. See below a detailed look at the anatomy of the micro:bit.

1 &2. Button A/B – These can be used as an input device in programmes such as scratch. For example, if A is pressed, the scratch game will react according to the programming.

3. Input/Output and grounding rings – The gold rings labelled 0-2 are all input/output devices. These can be used to connect external devices, e.g. sensors and buzzers. The 3V is a power supply ring which can be used for an external device, e.g. a motor. The final GND ring enables the external devices to be grounded when they are connected to the micro:bit.

4. LED Lights – You will see on the front of the micro:bit 25 LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). These LEDs can display images, text and numbers. They can be programmed to turn on/off and users can also alter the brightness of the LEDs.

5. Compass and 3 Axis Accelerometer –  The compass detects which way the micro:bit is facing in compassion to the earth’s magnetic field. It is important to remember however that it must be calibrated to ensure accuracy.

The accelerometer detects any movements. It has 3 axis, x (left and right), y (forwards and backwards) and z (up and down). It can detect whether the micro:bit is shaken, titled and free fall (measuring gravitational force).

6. CPU – This stands for the central processing unit. This is often described as the brains of the computer. It has four main functions, fetch, decode, execute and writeback. These functions are used to allow the micro:bit and computer to communicate with one another. Therefore, the CPU can process information from the computer and output the signals through the micro:bit. Memory is also a part of the CPU and allows us to store small amounts of data onto it.

7. BLE Antenna – This bluetooth antenna allows the micro:bit to communicate wirelessly in conjunction with a my BLED 112 smart dongle (right hand photo) and the computer.

8. USB Connector – This allows users to connect the micro:bit to the computer via the micro usb port on the micro:drive and USB port on your computer. When this is plugged into the computer, the battery pack is not needed.

 

9. Reset – This button allows the user to reset the micro:bit back to the original factory settings.

10. Battery connector – A battery port is located on the back of the micro:bit. This allows the micro:bit to work remotely using a bluetooth dongle (BLED 112 smart dongle). Therefore the micro:bit does not need to be plugged into a computer, and the battery pack will power the controller.