Hour of Code: Virtual Pet Lesson Plan

Overview

In this code activity, students are introduced to embedded programming on the BBC micro:bit. The activity is available in the Blockly visual programming language or the Python programming language. A full micro:bit simulator is provided for both, so you do not require a physical micro:bit device.

The activity is structured as sequence of interactive notes and questions that students are challenged to answer. Students learn how to display images to the screen and handle button presses. They are introduced to computational thinking concept of branching control structures to make decisions that control the flow of a program.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• learn how to show an image on the micro:bit's LED screen
• learn how to get the state of an input button
• learn how to repeat code in the background forever
• learn how to make decisions and take different actions based on those decisions
• learn how to use logic and problem solving skills to answer simple questions

Extended activities

The BBC micro:bit is an embedded device designed for the classroom. (What is an embedded device?)

As well as the LED display and buttons, the micro:bit also contains an accelerometer, temperature sensor, magnetometer, and Bluetooth, and can be connected to other components like speakers, motors, screens, lights, and more.

The activity provides an excellent opportunity to discuss examples of embedded devices students may have encountered, and leads into a discussion about the Internet of Things.

Brainstorm examples of embedded devices in the real world, and what sensors and components they contain.

Some examples:

• Tamagotchis (and other handheld game consoles such as Gameboys) contain a screen, buttons and speakers.
• Gaming controllers such as the Nintendo Wii remotes sense motion using an accelerometer, and use a motor to create vibration.
• Fitness trackers use accelerometers to sense movement.
• Mobile phones are rich embedded devices that contain screens and buttons, magnetometers (like a compass), accelerometers, Bluetooth, light sensors (to adjust screen brightness), biometric fingerprint sensors, cameras, and more.
• Home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners (temperature sensors to automatically control the temperature), microwaves (microwave power and time), washing machines.
• Modern cars contain many features that are controlled by a embedded systems: radio, door locks, automatic parking, cruise control, airbags and anti-lock braking systems to name a few. They use sensors such as rear-view cameras, accelerometers and pressure sensors.
• In medicine, devices can monitor a patient's biometrics, and administer help or alert the user as necessary. Examples include pacemakers, neurostimulators, implantable cardio defibrillators, continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps.
• Satellites need to weigh as little as possible in order to be launched into space, and have microcontrollers controlling the sensors.
• Electronic signs for roadworks, showing petrol prices, etc.

Design new applications for embedded devices in the context of an Internet of Things, where devices are connected to the internet and can speak to each other.

Some examples:

• Smart homes: lights that are connected to motion sensors and switch on and off depending on whether a room is occupied; fridges that keep track of their contents (and their expiry dates!), smart thermostats that control blinds, heaters and air conditioners.
• Drones that automatically follow you and can capture video and photos, and deliver mail to your home.
• Items that you can't lose: footballs, frisbees and sunglasses you can track with your phone!

If you have physical micro:bits, design and create skins for the micro:bit to match the virtual pet.

Extend the lesson into a crafts project by using paper, play dough or textiles to create a skin for the micro:bit. Here's an example of a skin for a rabbit pet.

Register as a teacher for free!