Unit 15 - Year 2 Lessons

Overview

Students will use Micro:bit programs to collect and compare real-world data with guesses and observations.

Target skills:

• Logic & Sequencing
• Pattern Recognition
• Systems Thinking

Tools:

• Micro:bit
• MakeCode
• Excel or paper tables

Outputs:

• Data tables with guesses and actual results
• Sensor-based Micro:bit programs

Week 1 - Step Counter and Music Box

Lesson 1 - Step Counter Data Table

Goal: use a Micro:bit step counter and compare predicted and actual results.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare a route around the classroom or school
• Set up a simple table in Excel or on paper

Steps:

1. Create a data table with columns for guess and actual number of steps.
2. Choose routes such as classroom to classroom or around the room.
3. Make a guess before walking.
4. Walk the route and record the actual steps.
5. Compare the class guesses to the real data.

Check for understanding:

• Students record both a guess and an actual result.
• Students can compare which value was closer.

Extension:

• Test multiple routes and compare results.

Lesson 2 - Music Box

Goal: build or test a simple Micro:bit music-box style program.

Teacher prep:

• Open the example MakeCode project

Steps:

1. Open the MakeCode example project.
2. Review how the code triggers sounds.
3. Test the program on a Micro:bit.
4. Change notes or sound patterns if time allows.

Check for understanding:

• Students can run the program.
• Students can identify where the melody is controlled.

Extension:

• Create a new short melody.

Week 2 - Thermometer and Nightlight

Lesson 1 - Temperature Data Collection

Goal: use the Micro:bit thermometer to compare temperatures in different places.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare indoor and outdoor measuring locations if available

Steps:

1. Create a simple table for temperature results.
2. Measure temperatures in different locations such as indoors, outdoors, or near fans.
3. Record the readings.
4. Compare which locations are warmer or cooler.

Check for understanding:

• Students collect data from multiple locations.
• Students can explain a temperature difference they found.

Extension:

• Add a prediction column before measuring.

Lesson 2 - Nightlight

Goal: use light detection to create a simple nightlight behavior.

Teacher prep:

• Open the MakeCode example project

Steps:

1. Open the nightlight MakeCode example.
2. Test how the Micro:bit responds to light and dark.
3. Cover and uncover the sensor to observe changes.
4. Adjust the conditions if needed.

Check for understanding:

• Students can explain when the nightlight turns on.
• The program responds correctly to light level.

Extension:

• Change the display pattern used in the dark.