Just recently added to the Ontario Science Curriculum, is the addition of programing. The School I work at already has a class set of BBC Micro:Bits, but in another department. Looks like the Science Dept will have to get a class set as well. In regards to this, I thought it would be prudent to buy myself a few Micro:bit items so that I can play with them over the summer holidays to better prepare myself for next September when classes start again.
For those who are not aware, the BBC Micro:bit is a very small micro board computer with quite a few built in sensors, and a simple programming tool. Add sensors and other items, and you have a fairly capable little computer that can be used in labs. Far cheaper than LabQuest. I find it amazing that the UK is so much more advanced than anyone else I know in terms of little cheap computers. I know that the Raspberry Pi hails from the UK as well, and now we have the BBC Micro:bit. In fact, I was told that in year 7, everyone in school gets one for free from their Government.
I bought 2 boards for myself from different places off of Amazon.ca. They roughly cost 45 Canadian Dollars each. 1 kit came with a neat little silicone board shield to help protect the unit from static shock. That one also came with a battery box. Much like the Pi, these are sold under the name of various companies.
20230508_181034A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181041A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181107A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181140A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181215A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181227A by
Chako, on Flickr
The basic board gives you a lot to do. There is a microphone, 25 LED display array, a touch sensor, a tilt/shake sensor, etc. The real fun begins when you add some accessories such as this robot kit.
20230508_181305A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181326A by
Chako, on Flickr
and this fairly big sensor package.
20230508_181350A by
Chako, on Flickr
20230508_181427A by
Chako, on Flickr
It is all tied into this easy programing environment based on Microsoft MakeCode. The beauty lies in its simplicity.
https://makecode.microbit.org/The actual code editor is located here. You get a nice electronic version of the Micro:bit so that you can get immediate feedback on your coding. Likewise, you can also convert to Python and JavaScript on the fly.
https://makecode.microbit.org/#editor 
Donations
Community Links
