That Blue Square Thing

Syllabus content:

Programming in Micro:Python (2024)

A way to start programming in Python without it being too scary. The focus is on the use of sensors of various types.

PDF iconAbout micro:bits

PDF iconConnecting micro:bits (2024)

1 – The block editor

Revisit the four key programming ideas from other units. And creating a shared report.

PDF iconKey ideas slides

PDF iconWays to write algorithms – I use this more with year 7 but it might be helpful to use here as well

PDF iconProgramming task

PDF iconBlock editor instructions

> The microbit block editor – use this link to get to the editor

Block editor challenges (2025):

PDF iconChallenge 1: beating heart

PDF iconChallenge 2: name tag

PDF iconChallenge 3: 1d6

PDF iconChallenge 4: two dice

Block editor assessment (2025):

Word iconAssessment 2025

PDF iconAssessment 2025 (to print)

2 – The Python editor

Begin to program using micro:python and revisit repetition.

PDF iconKey ideas intro

PDF iconTask 1 – Heart program

PDF iconCompleted heart program

PDF iconTask 1 instructions

PDF iconSolution

> The Python editor – use this link to get to the editor

PDF iconAnimal magic challenge

PDF iconHow to display images

PDF iconRepeating code

PDF iconComments slide

PDF iconSlides to develop ideas

PDF iconBuilt in images

3 – Pressing buttons

Using selection.

PDF iconSlides – intro key words

PDF iconButtons challenge

PDF iconUsing buttons

PDF iconSelection idea developed

PDF iconUsing the accelerometer

4 – Counting with buttons

Using variables and selection.

PDF iconSlides – intro key words

PDF iconVariables idea

5/6 – Sensors

The basic temperature and light sensor first:

PDF iconTemperature sensor

PDF iconLight sensor

And then the tiltmeter:

PDF iconSlides from class

PDF iconUsing the tiltmeter

PDF iconTiltmeter questions – this can be used for an assessment to test understanding

7 – Using sound

Some resources I rarely use to show how sound can be used:

PDF iconSlides from class – how to play basic sounds

PDF iconList of built in sounds

PDF iconWriting melodies – much more complex

The report

A way of assessing this.

PDF iconMarking points for report