Getting to know the BBC Micro:bit

It is important that you are familiar with the components of the BBC Micro:bit before you use it with the students. Time can be easily taken away from lessons by having to research the anatomy of the Micro: bit which you could be teaching instead. Ideas on teaching Micro:bit anatomy can be found here.

Below is a labelled diagram of the front and back of a Micro:bit (suitable to share with pupils) and at the bottom a set of component definitions and information. (More definitions relating to Micro:bit can be found here.)

Some useful component definitions

LED

•  (Light-emitting diode) You can program each LED to show numbers, letters or images on your micro:bit.

CPU

• (Central Processing Unit) This is where all of the Micro: bit’s programming and information is stored and processed. The Bluetooth allows your Micro: bit to communicate wirelessly with some other Bluetooth compatible devices.

Accelerometer

•  Measures the acceleration of your Micro: bit by sensing how you are physically moving the device.

USB

•  Using your USB connector you can connect to a computer and download pre-made code or your own code!

Pins

Big Pins

• Can be used to connect external components to be used as inputs or outputs.

Small Pins

• Are programmed to work alongside components in your micro: bit.

3V Power port

•  This can be used as an output to power other devices or an input to power your micro: bit if you are not using a battery or USB.

GND Ground

•  This can be used to complete a circuit. You can even use your hands to do this whilst also touching one of the other pins.