MicroPython for Microbit by Ruth Farmery

ideas

2024-06-25 15:00:17 UTC

Case-sensitivity is important

ideas

2024-06-25 15:02:08 UTC

Have students work in pairs or small groups. Have students work with the paper strips to organize or plan out their code BEFORE heading to the computer. This will give them the opportunity to discuss their thought process and steps for the code.

Allowing time

snewman2 — 2024-06-25 15:02:41 UTC

Just reflecting on the importance of giving students time to struggle and work out a programming challenge

-it's really helpful that there are so many ways that students who get things quickly can experiment and add in lots of enhancements while others may need the time to master some of the basics

Lots of embedded supports

saritaspillert — 2024-06-25 15:03:42 UTC

I love all the embedded supports such as code you will need, links to documentation and sample solution. I wonder about only including the parson's problem version of the code so students don't rush and just copy the code without taking the time to understand it. Alternatively, in a situation like the compass problem, you could give the sample code for one direction and let them figure out the rest.

Ideas

2024-06-25 15:03:52 UTC

Format is important (indentation, case sensitivity, spacing, etc). In some javascript libraries for example - extra spaces do not stop the code from executing. It will be important to instruct the students on the resources available as well as common errors in order for the students to not get frustrated.

patience

2024-06-25 15:04:01 UTC

Today's students are impatient...looking for the answer. Coding takes time and speeding through it will most likely have errors. Students should not get frustrated when they see the red dots...just takes time.

Groupings

2024-06-25 15:04:58 UTC

Pairing/grouping students with these tasks will have to be very strategic. There will be some who will catch on quickly and others who will struggle even with alot of support and hearing multiple perspectives.

Using Python

matthewdebrocke — 2024-06-25 15:05:22 UTC

After taking the weeklong Microbit course last summer through CSofMA, I became familiar with Microblocks and MakeCode for Microbit as block-based editors. My school mainly used MakeCode for Microbit as it was already integrated into CLEVER which is our SSO. As the year progressed, I KNEW the next logical progression was to move from block-based coding to text-based coding. Learning how to apply the python language to the microbits will help me bring this knowledge to my students who have mastered the block-based coding and are looking for the next challenge, which is text-based.

Problem Solving

2024-06-25 15:05:32 UTC

I love the ability to of improving problem solving skills.

Misconceptions

2024-06-25 15:05:38 UTC

Students moving from javascript to micropython will have to catch themselves on format

Things that are good to preview when introducing

dhorvath10 — 2024-06-25 15:06:53 UTC

Make sure to go over how to start and save projects. (ex. reset project to start a new one)
Use the simulator to test as you go-- it is nice how fast you can download your project to the micro:bit
Pay attention to the red lines/errors
Play around with parameters
When projects are counting- think of accessibility of showing numbers or adding a sound so they know it's working or-- this could be an option for challenges..
LOVE the Parson's paper coding activity to preview and then actually coding it to see if it works:) Will be using🤩

Cutebots using Microbits

matthewdebrocke — 2024-06-25 15:18:09 UTC

These were programmed to follow the black line on the student created maps.

LUMAbot Maze Challenge

matthewdebrocke — 2024-06-25 15:24:56 UTC

Students had to create a program that safely got their robot from the entrance to the exit.

FREE Arms Curriculum

dhorvath10 — 2024-06-25 17:05:57 UTC

Python game that works great for Pair Programming

saritaspillert — 2024-06-25 18:28:02 UTC

Mobile CSP

saritaspillert — 2024-06-25 18:34:33 UTC

Quick Look at CSforMA: micro:bit week course July 29- Aug 5 in Natick

dhorvath10 — 2024-06-25 18:53:03 UTC

Hot Potato

dhorvath10 — 2024-06-25 19:28:43 UTC

The all time classic- timer that counts down from a random time (between 5 - 20 seconds playing a note each second) until it reaches O-- shows the skull and plays the death /funeral song!