Unit 3 - Year 2 Lessons

Overview

Students will complete Unit 3 Year 2 activities using coding and physical computing workflows.

Target skills:

• Computational Thinking
• Physical Computing
• Creative Problem Solving

Tools:

• Micro:bit
• MakeCode

Outputs:

• Student-created program(s) or interactive project(s) saved to class folder.

Week 1 - Games & Music

Lesson 1 - Rock-Paper-Scissors

Goal: Program a micro:bit to randomly show rock, paper, or scissors and decide the winner.
Link: https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/rock-paper-scissors/

Materials

• micro:bit + USB cable (or battery)
• Computer with MakeCode

Steps

1. Open MakeCode and create Rock-Paper-Scissors using the tutorial.
   
2. Discuss IF / ELSE IF / ELSE logic using a quick class demo:
   • IF the teacher claps once > students jump
   • ELSE IF two claps > students say “hello”
   • ELSE > students do nothing
3. Flash to micro:bit and test with partners.
4. Extension: Add sound when a result appears.

Lesson 2 - Music Box

Goal: Trigger melodies on button press; experiment with the Melody Maker.
Link: https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/jukebox/

Steps

1. Follow the Jukebox guide; assign tunes to A, B, and A+B.
   
2. Compose a short tune with Melody Maker and add it.
   
   

Ideas

• Map different tunes to different gestures (shake, tilt, logo up).

Week 2 - Sensors

Lesson 1 - Compass (Treasure Hunt)

Goal: Use the micro:bit compass bearing to guide a treasure hunt.
Link: https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/compass-bearing/

Materials

• Books (to place in a circle)
• A small “treasure” object
• Whiteboard or paper

Activity

1. Place books in a circle; hide treasure in one.
2. Record a bearing from center to the treasure.
3. One student returns and uses the bearing to locate the treasure.
4. Rotate roles, move books to avoid memorization.

Lesson 2 - Thermometer (Field Notes)

Goal: Measure and compare temperatures around the school.
Link: https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/thermometer/

Steps

1. Build the thermometer project in MakeCode.
2. Visit several locations and record data.

Data Table (copy into notebooks)

Extensions

• Graph results; discuss hot/cold spots and reasons (sunlight, vents, doors).