What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This summer camp is an introduction to the micro:bit, an amazing, low-cost, credit-card-sized computer that can be used in a large variety of robotics projects. But for this class, you only need a $20 microbit kit. TLDR: You need to buy a Version 2 micro:bit for this class. In the next class in this multi-class series, you'll need to buy a robotics kit from Yahboom. This class is the first of a series of classes that will use the micro:bit with the "Yahboom world of module programmable sensor kit" http://www.yahboom.net/study/WOM-Sensor-Kit-microbit . Have you ever spent a ton of money on a robot kit and then found out it really doesn't offer much? This class series avoids this in multiple ways. First, you only need to start with a micro:bit, not the whole robotics kit. This way your learner can try out the code editor, see what the micro:bit can do on its own. And then you can choose to buy the whole kit (needed for the rest of this class series). Second - I have tried at least two dozen coding robots and kits, and I can promise you that this is a great kit! It's both reasonably priced and well designed! You may know me on OutSchool as a Scratch teacher, but I actually got my start teaching with the micro:bit over 5 years ago - before you could even buy them in the US! (I would have them shipped to me from the U.K.). I had chosen not to teach micro:bit on OutSchool because I had not found a robotics kit that I felt would work well remotely. Part 2 of this series of classes will require the purchase of a Yahboom kit but this class gives your learner an opportunity to try the microbit, the makecode editor, and get an idea of the functionality before buying the robotics kit. (Nothing worse than buying a robotics kit and having it gather dust in a closet!) In this 4 day camp, we are going to learn to code on the micro:bit using Microsoft's MakeCode editor. The editor is free and on the web. Day 1 - Intro to the micro:bit, MakeCode, and writing programs. Write a program using buttons, accelerometer, and display. Day 2 - Programming with speaker and microphone. Day 3 - Make a scorekeeper. Day 4 - Program an alarm to protect something in your room. YOU NEED TO BUY A VERSION 2 MICRO:BIT!!!! And a micro USB cable!!!! (see below for more info!)
Learning Goals
Learn how to use the MakeCode editor
Learn how to program the micro:bit
Learn how to use the micro:bit's built-in accelerometer, display, buttons, speaker microphone, and thermometer.
Write 4-6 programs using the micro:bit's features.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners need to drag a file in the (Finder MacOS or File Explorer on PC), and many do not know how to do this, and struggle. Parent help may be needed to learn this skill!
We use Microsoft's makecode.com website as our code editor. It is COPPA compliant. No account is necessary, but projects are saved on the server based on computer info, so using the same computer for the whole class is recommended.
Supply List
You need a Version 2 micro:bit, and a micro-USB cable (you probably own 10 of these cables!). Some sources: https://www.amazon.com/Microbit-Starter-Kit-Micro-Built/dp/B09MBBT9YL/ref=sr_1_9 https://www.okdo.com/us/p/bbc-microbit-v2-2-single-board/ https://www.sparkfun.com/products/17287 https://vilros.com/products/microbit-v2 Please be very careful and make sure you are ordering a Version 2 (V 2). Prices and availability vary wildly! If you just want to get the Yahboom kit (needed Robotics - Part 2 class) with or without the micro:bit: https://category.yahboom.net/collections/mb-robotics/products/wom-sensor-kit-microbit?variant=39416926699604
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
1-6 learners per class