i2E Coding with micro:bit
Give your students a hands-on coding challenge, programming and controlling a micro:bit buggy before putting their skills to the test in the battle arena.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Students put their coding skills into practice by programming a micro:bit to control a small buggy.
They start by learning the basics of MakeCode, a free online coding platform. They then write a short program to get their buggy moving and take on challenges that develop its range of movement.
Next, students programme a remote control and develop their code so their buggy responds to its signals. The challenge ends in the robot wrestling arena, where they put their remote-controlled buggies to the test.
Along the way, students explore how coding is used in the growing Internet of Things. They consider the advantages and disadvantages of remotely controlled vehicles and look at real-world applications, including Mars rovers. Students also explore how digital technology has developed since Ada Lovelace wrote her early programs in the 1800s. They reflect on what has changed, what has stayed the same and what could come next.
The session gives students an opportunity to recognise the skills they enjoy using and consider whether a future career in coding or software engineering could be for them.
Your school will need:
a projector or screen to display instructions
a small amount of floor space for students to test their robots
Details
- School subject
-
- Technology/computing
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Curriculum links
-
- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Physics: Electricity
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Group size
- Small groups, Whole class
- 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
-
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
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
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
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:
-
-
Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engaging enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
