i2E Coding with micro:bit
Give your students a fun, hands-on introduction to coding as they programme, control and compete with their own buggy.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Pupils discover the fun of coding as they programme a micro:bit to control a small buggy.
Using MakeCode, a free online coding platform, they learn how to write a simple program and get their buggy moving. They then take on a series of challenges to make it move in different ways.
Next, pupils programme a remote control and develop their code so their buggy responds to its signals. Once their robots are ready, it’s time to put them to the test in the robot wrestling arena!
Along the way, pupils discover how coding and remote-controlled technology are used in the real world. They explore examples such as Mars rovers and consider the benefits and challenges of controlling vehicles remotely.
Pupils also discover how coding has developed since Ada Lovelace wrote her early programs in the 1800s. They reflect on how technology has changed and imagine what it could make possible in the future.
The workshop gives pupils the chance to practise coding, problem-solving and logical thinking. It also introduces them to the idea that these skills can be used in future careers such as coding and software engineering.
Your school will need:
a projector or screen to display instructions
a small amount of floor space for pupils to test their robots
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Curriculum links
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- England primary science curriculum: Earth and space
- Scotland primary science curriculum: Sciences
- Northern Ireland primary science curriculum: Science and technology
- Wales primary science curriculum : The world around us
- Working scientifically
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- Asking questions
- Making predictions
- Setting up tests
- Interpreting and communicating results
- Group size
- Small groups
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Half day
2 hours
- Cost
- Cost applies
A half-day workshop costs £325. Full day to accommodate 2 classes is £495, 2 full days £850, 3 full days £1200. Days do not have to be booked consecutively.
- Location
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In-school
- Wales
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Frameworks
EqualEx
The equalex framework allows educators to embed meaningful workplace experiences within a progressive whole school careers programme.
- Introduce and Inspire
- Investigate and Explore
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:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engaging enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
