Today in Computing, we explored Microsoft MakeCode and the micro:bit, developing our understanding of algorithms, sequencing and loops. We began by creating our own name badges before moving on to designing simple animations using the micro:bit’s LED display, including a beating heart and other creative designs. We also briefly explored how to create an emotion badge to show how we are feeling.
We learned that a micro:bit is a tiny computer that needs an algorithm (a clear set of instructions written in code) in order to produce an output on the display. Thanks to our learning in Year 4, we were already confident with the basics and really enjoyed challenging ourselves to make our micro:bits do even more.
We used the Microsoft MakeCode editor, following helpful instructional videos to ensure our code was set up in the correct order so that it would run successfully. We also learned some new technical vocabulary, discovering that LEDs are Light Emitting Diodes. It was exciting to see our code come to life as our programs ran exactly as we had planned.
We became more familiar with key blocks such as ‘forever’, which is a loop that keeps the code running continuously. This was particularly useful when creating our own icons and animated sequences.
We are looking forward to evaluating our work, improving our programs and discovering even more of what we can achieve using micro:bits and MakeCode. We have thoroughly enjoyed our learning so far and are excited to build on these skills in future lessons.
What would you like to program your micro:bit to do next, and which code blocks do you think you would need to use?
Why is it important to write an algorithm in the correct order when coding?
