The micro:bit is a small, codeable computer that has many features. Detailed below is a labelled diagram of the BBC Micro:Bit. These diagrams show the physical computing device from its front and back, as well as detailing its features and what they are used for.
How can you teach children about the micro:bit anatomy?
Before encouraging children to get stuck into the set up and coding of the micro:bit, it can be beneficial for them to be offered the opportunity to explore the device and its features first. By doing this, children will be able to collaboratively develop their understanding of the device, practising problem solving which will support them in working out what each part is and what it enables the micro:bit to do.
Activity idea: Label the micro:bit
This reading and matching exercise can be useful in supporting children in their ability to problem solve.
Simply cut out both the purple (function) and yellow (definition) rectangles and stick them onto the blank micro:bit diagram.
This straight forward activity gives children the opportunity to learn the Micro:Bit functions and challenges them logically, having to use an elimination process and build upon prior knowledge to support the construction of new understanding.
It can be adapted to support all ages in a range of different ways:
- the purple functions can be inputted onto the diagram already, meaning that children have to match the yellow definitions;
- the yellow definitions can be inputted onto the diagram already, meaning that children have to decipher what each function does and match it to its definition;
- the children could be given the function names and be required to write their own definitions if they are confident within their computational understanding.
The worksheet displayed in this example can be downloaded and adapted here.
Activity idea: Who am I?
Note: Children need time to explore the micro:bit by looking at it and discussing it in order to carry out this activity effectively.
- Materials Required: micro:bit headbands, downloadable here.
- Time Required: 15 minutes.
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Ask each child to get into pairs and put a headband on. In turns, children should ask their partner a question to which they must answer “yes” or “no”. The aim is for each player in the class to successfully guess which part of the micro:bit that they are through a series of questions. For example “am I located on the front of the micro:bit?” or “do I produce information?”.
Alternatively, the partner of the child wearing a headband could tell them a series of key things that their function does, in order for them to discover who they are.
This simple activity can support children in their understanding of the functions of the micro:bit and can be useful to help them in being able to go on and program it to use the functions in the ways that are intended.
