Python/MicroBit Journal by Amia Castro

The power of pair programming

2021-06-28 20:59:44 UTC

I think that with the right influences from instructors and peers, as well as in being honest and direct with your students -- you can build trust that they can handle the machines responsibly. I personally have not dealt with a horror story of a broken microprocessors!

Personlized Learning

2021-06-28 21:00:09 UTC

I will be using micro:bits to provide differentiated student-driven learning. I plan to make challenge cards that my 5th and 6th graders can work towards while I work with other students (my students will attend my class in multiage groups (1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders together; 4th, 5th, and 6th grades together).

Equipment management

jcihlar — 2021-06-28 21:00:12 UTC

I think labeling each micro:bit and associated peripherals helps increase accountability: students are assigned to a micro:bit and they're responsible for ensuring that it gets back to the check-in box in shape.

ORGANIZATION

2021-06-28 21:00:38 UTC

have students take inventory with an "unboxing" lesson and "getting to know the micro:bit" lessons to make sure they know what belongs in the kit. It also helps to purchase better containers (little plastic hardware storage bins work good, but are pricey)
NUMBER the bins
Make students sign an agreement to keep their kits together, make them aware that they will have to replace any parts that they lose

Choose your Adventure

2021-06-28 21:00:45 UTC

I think its a great idea to give kids their own project to work on that they are interested in, it gives them a lot more buy in and helps keep them engaged.

2021-06-28 21:00:52 UTC

I want to design multi-curricular actives with Math and Science classes where students apply CS skills to real-world projects, such as tracking moisture or water levels in the nearby open space.

Classroom Management

2021-06-28 21:00:56 UTC

Have students create a management
scheme

I do then you do

2021-06-28 21:01:48 UTC

When working with students, I feel it is important that students have the opportunity to test things out as they are learning.
I like to give them some basics and then provide them with a challenge. The challenge allows students to test their skills and to collaborate with one another. This fosters a safe learning environment where students are able to fail and then try again.

Pair Programming (or triads)

2021-06-28 21:02:12 UTC

On index cards, have students write down the names of 3 or 4 other students in the class they would like to work with (and anyone they DONT want to work with). Take the cards and create groups based on these.

Frequent time to celebrate

jcihlar — 2021-06-28 21:02:35 UTC

During a 90-minute block period, I make sure we break to show off what we've done as well as to share challenges that learners are having.

Work Environment

2021-06-28 21:02:57 UTC

Allow students have a creative day. A more industry setting which is part of PM, SCRUM style

Logo touch animation

jcihlar — 2021-06-29 20:39:51 UTC

Here's a generic program to animate a series of frames only if the touch bar is pressed. (this one runs the frames forward and then when it reaches the end, it reverses them instead of looping). You can use this and just replace the list of images with your own.

Compass w/N,E,S,W

2021-06-29 20:41:34 UTC

if not compass.is_calibrated():
    compass.calibrate()

while True:
    heading=compass.heading()
    if heading >=338 or heading <23:
        display.show("N")
    elif heading >= 68 and heading <113:
        display.show ("E")
    elif heading >=248 and heading <293:
        display.show ("W")
    elif heading >=158 and heading <203:
        display.show ("S")

Light & Temp Monitoring

2021-06-29 20:43:08 UTC

Compass with major directions

jcihlar — 2021-06-29 20:43:38 UTC

This compass will hit all of the directions. It uses a list of dictionaries to be as flexible as possible.

Stackr Game

2021-06-29 21:39:36 UTC

This is a simple game of Stackr that mostly works!

csuplugged.org loop lesson

2021-06-30 16:07:59 UTC

AverageTemps for Golden

2021-07-01 16:09:27 UTC

DataDataData

2021-07-01 20:50:36 UTC

Giving students access to data sets that are related to their interests is still key to make any data study effective in MS/HS.

it would be cool to team up with Math and/or Science teachers to do a data collection, analysis, and visualizing multi-genre unit.

Data Science and micro:Bit

jcihlar — 2021-07-01 20:50:42 UTC

The possibilities seem endless -- I'd like students to collect a reasonably large dataset using the micro:bit sensors and analyze the data using visualization tools to make some sort of decision --
- Collecting light data in variety of locations to determine where to place solar panels on a roof, to determining if shade/sun loving plants should go in a specific location.
- Collection temp data throughout the day to see how much the temperature varies in a location.
- Connect other sensor data to make a decision with the goal of making the problem as authentic as possible.

Weather, Sports, and School Crowdsource data

jorybaker — 2021-07-01 20:51:25 UTC

Collecting sports or weather data from the internet could be applicable. Perhaps the BLS to get information about certain sectors? (clothing, makeup, hardware companies). You really can collect data from many sources and make those sources diverse ie sports and cosmetics data. I find there is a fantastic opportunity to bring elevated experiences to all sorts of clubs on campus. Weather data extraction for bio club, stats visualization for volleyball and basketball sports clubs -- soo many opportunities to boost many clubs and interests through computing

Data in Elementary STEM

2021-07-01 20:51:36 UTC

I'm excited to apply what we've learned today as my students collect data from the Micro:Bits, both in MakeCode and in Python (my MakeCode trainers didn't seem well-versed in migrating data from the microbit to a computer, so this information will help on many fronts). I'm eager to investigate using Google Sheets to display data, especially now that I know Python coding can be used to create graphs within Sheets.

Warren Buffet: Buffet Index - predictive market graph

2021-07-02 18:15:32 UTC

Micro:bit radio

2021-07-02 18:16:51 UTC

Micro:bit pandemic simulator

2021-07-02 18:18:08 UTC

Insanely complex Python pandemic simulator from GitHub

2021-07-02 18:18:51 UTC

Government data sets

2021-07-02 18:19:37 UTC

Code.org data sets

2021-07-02 18:20:10 UTC