Coding for Climate Action with the micro:bit
Code an early warning system to help children understand the importance of mitigating the effects of natural hazards with the micro:bit.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Coding For Climate Action is an interactive computing workshop using micro:bits to investigate natural hazards, design early warning systems, and address climate change through hands-on, project-based coding; all while building essential digital skills for future careers in tech and environmental innovation.
Delivered in schools by trained Digit<all> ambassadors who are experienced Computing educators, Coding for Climate workshops support computing and science learning while showing how digital skills can be used to tackle pressing challenges of climate change.
Pupils will:
- Use the micro:bit in hands-on, practical activities
- Learn core computing concepts, including algorithms, sequencing, selection, inputs and outputs
- Apply computing in real environmental and scientific contexts
- Develop problem-solving and computational thinking skills
Workshop themes
Schools can choose from a range of workshops inspired by climate science and mitigation research, including:
- Design and Develop Early Warning Systems (block coding)
- Design and Develop Early Warning Systems (block & python coding)
- Landslide Monitor: Machine Learning with the micro:bit
Workshops are tailored to different ages within KS2–KS3. Digit<all> will recommend suitable options based on your pupils’ needs.
Workshop formats and practical details
- Space requirements: classroom or hall
- All equipment is provided, including micro:bits and Chromebooks if needed.
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Curriculum links
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- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Design
- Technology & design - Control
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- 1 to 2 hours
Workshop length: 90mins (or 60mins if preferred)
Half and full day delivery available (until midday or 3:30pm, featuring as many workshops as possible)
- Cost
- Cost may apply
The workshops are currently free in 40 towns and cities across the UK but funding fluctuates at different times of year so please enquire directly with Digit<all>.
If your area isn't covered, costing is £350 for a half-day of workshops and £600 for a full day.
- Location
-
In-school
- UK-wide
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Learning what the engineering workplace is like
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 2 - Learning from career and labour market information
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
-
-
Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
