Micro:bit

Overview Plan
By Bethany, Chelsea, Joe and Alice

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project context: Space Exploration - sending the Chickbot on an adventure across the surface of Mars
(meeting martians along the way)

Over the course of 3 weeks children will develop their understanding of algorithms and how these can be
used with the BBC micro:bit to control a ChickBot (physical computing device). The children will work
through a variety of unplugged and computer based activities to build their algorithmic skills, working
towards a final activity where they explore the ‘surface of Mars’

NATIONAL CURRICULUM

● design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or
simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
● use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of
input and output
● use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct
errors in algorithms and programs

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. To develop logical reasoning by writing, debugging and predicting the outcome of simple
algorithms
2. Explore the uses of input and output devices in everyday life and how these may be programmed
3. To use key concepts such as selection, sequencing and repetition to write simple algorithms
4. To use key processes and concepts such as decomposition, debugging and sequencing to control
the movement of a chickbot around a given route.

1
OUTCOMES

● The code which allows the chickbot to travel on its exploration

● A video of the Chickbot’s Journey
● Photographs of the unplugged activity

RESOURCES NEEDED

● Computers
● Micro:bits (x8)
● Chickbot (x4)
● Floor markers (martians & satellite)
● Cards for unplugged activity
● Ensure that the Lightbot activity is accessible
● Fact and instruction cards for the final activity

ASSESSMENT

1. Unplugged Activity - Work with a small group and listen to pupil discussion AfL - gauge
understanding in order to adjust children’s learning activities in future lessons
2. Lightbot Activity - How much support do pupils need to be able to complete each level? Are they
able to explain why they are choosing certain blocks? What is their understanding of sequencing?
3. Chickbot Activity - Discussion and questioning as evidence towards understanding of key
processes such as: decomposition, logical reasoning, debugging, thinking algorithmically,
alongside key concepts such as: sequencing, selection, repetition and algorithms

ACTIVITIES

WEEK 1

● Whole group directing adult: Unplugged activity (real world example first): algorithms,
sequencing, repetition, selection
● Group discussion about programming activities they have done previously
● Lightbot activity in pairs - Starting with 2 Procedures

2
 ○ Discussion based AfL during activity
● Debugging activity as mini plenary
● Context introduction - Talk about
● KWL class grid, what children want to learn

WEEK 2

● Talk about output and input devices, the anatomy of the micro:bit and anatomy of chickbot
○ Show large version
● Creating algorithm for moving ChickBot using normal language (left wheel turning, right wheel
turning) - unplugged activity
● Show programming of forwards and left turn - children work in groups to create function for
turning right and going backwards
● Can you get your micro:bit to move in a square? Can you make it move in a bigger square?
● Can you get the LED screen to show the direction when it moves?
● Plenary - KWL what have you learnt so far?

WEEK 3

● Revisit the context & give them their mission objective

○ Collecting information from the different martians - next bit of the quest
● Feed facts back to the satellite
● Extension: Can you program your ChickBot to travel to all of the martians and back to the
satellite? What is the shortest route you can take?
● KWL - What have we learnt? What would you like to learn more about in future?